Michael John Quinn

Michael John Quinn, fondly known as “Pappy”, age 80, of Lewisburg, Ohio, died on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Dayton VA Medical Center, Hospice Unit in Dayton, Ohio. Born on May 4, 1944 in Wheeling, West Virginia, son of the late James Michael & Clara Thedea (Neidert) Quinn. He came into this world and, as a surprise to his mother, he had a twin brother in tow. He grew up in the hills of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. Enjoying time with his brothers and sisters, picking strawberries for 15 cents a pint (they needed 35 cents to get into the pool). Through high school, Mike caddied at Oglebay and turned wrenches at Charlie Kammer’s Garage.

Michael Proudly served in the US Army from 1966 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. When he was drafted to the Army, and his brother Bill got orders to Vietnam, Mike went to the Army and asked to go in his brother’s place. He was denied the request. He and his twin brother, Jim were stationed in Germany.

Mike’s love of camping included many peanut butter and bacon sandwiches with his brothers and his dad, the “OG Pappy.” Throughout life and many camping trips, Mike was never without a pocketknife and a flashlight.

After marrying Mary Ann, the love of his life, they spent their days dancing and celebrating, enjoying everything as if it were their first time. Along with his wife, he worked hard to raise three perfect kids. You could always catch him playing ball in the backyard until the sun went down…and quite a few times, way past sunset if the score was tied. Rainy days didn’t stop him from playing outside with his kids. He would be slipping and sliding or splashing in the puddles, never concerned with how muddy we got. In the winter, outdoor antics did not cease…there was always a hill to sled down or a fort to build. Mike stayed at the finest campgrounds and two star hotels, because he never needed or wanted for more. His fancy attire included his bib overalls, always grease stained and well worn. He had worked as a Tool & Die Maker for many years at General Motors and eventually was a general supervisor over the tool room in Dayton, Ohio.

He taught his family to grow vegetables and raise goats. It was also a necessity to him to make sure his kids knew how to change their own oil and change a tire by themselves. He always wanted them to be able to enjoy the beauty of everyday life. Mike spent most of his summers at Lake St. Mary’s where he would water ski and boat until the sun went down…happy with anyone who wanted to come along. On Sundays, you’d find him at church. After church, he and his family would always go out for ice cream and he would talk about the gospel in a childlike way, so as the little kids could understand. Mike squeezed every last drop out of every day. He took nothing for granted and loved everyone. He had a laid back attitude which was due to his love for God. As he always trusted Him, even through the most difficult times. He was the best example of not sweating the small stuff. Rarely did things upset him.

Mike enjoyed his grandchildren, in fact, they were the highlight of his life. He was beyond proud, watching them do their own things. From Robbie joining the Army, Savannah shining in cheerleading and academics, Justin’s love for cars and hot rods. There was Guiness’s love of sports, working hard and huge hugs for his Pappy, that were given almost every day. Bailey’s artistic talents, that Pappy would say were better than any of the world’s famous artists. He always admired James’ work ethics, healthy eating habits and workouts, which back in the day were similar to his own healthy lifestyle. He loved watching James play football. Maggie was a member of her high school cheer team and cheered for her brother’s team all through high school. Pappy looked forward to updates about her college life and her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta.

He was the best teller of the worst Dad Jokes. Mike enjoyed talking to his brothers and sisters almost every day and those conversations most definitely would include the Frog Follies, Derby Days and whatever was new and happy in his life. He enjoyed lunches at the Bull Pen and occasionally getting to see one of his favorite people, Maryanne Estévez at Dot’s Market. It would be the highlight of his day. Mike never slowed down, until his body wouldn’t let him get on a tractor, go to a car show or help out at his church.

As Pappy was passing, all of his loved ones were right there beside him, and those who weren’t, were there in spirit. Although this was a time of deep sorrow for all of us being left behind, he was celebrating his finalizations of getting ready to see what heaven was all about. Mike always enveloped the love of God. His beloved friends, the Anderson’s, prayed the rosary for him on day two at Hospice. After praying the rosary, his breathing became easier, and he passed a few hours later. His nurse Maria, who we fondly called “Ave Maria,” helped us and him, celebrate going to heaven in only a way that an angel from God could do. We imagine that Mike is in a boat with his dad and Jesus, reminiscing about how much he loved life and all of its good things. He finally gets to see Jesus face to face. I know Jesus is saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Mike’s peace, he leaves you. In lieu of flowers, he wants you to love someone that’s hard to love or do a good deed.

Preceded by brothers-in-law, Frank Perko and William Spindler.

Survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Ann Quinn; children, Jennifer (Jason Leslie) Quinn, Eric (Becky) Quinn, and David (Stephanie) Quinn; brothers, James Albert (Krim) Quinn, William (Barbara) Quinn; sisters, Mary Ann Perko and Patricia Spindler; seven grandchildren, Robbie Quinn, James Sollenberger, Maggie Sollenberger, Savannah Quinn, Guinness Quinn, Justin Quinn, and Bailey Quinn; numerous nieces, nephews, cousin and friends.

Funeral Mass Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, May 9, 2025 at Visitation of BVM Church, 407 E. Main St., Eaton, Ohio with Father Jim Romanello officiating. Interment held at Roselawn Cemetery, Lewisburg, Ohio.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 6:15 P.M., Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Barnes Funeral Home, 411 N. Commerce St., Lewisburg, Ohio with family speaking at 6:15 P.M. and the Knights of Columbus performing a Rosary Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. Online condolences via www.barnesfuneralhome.com