Ernest Wayne “Ernie” Michael, 72, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at Mon Health Medical Center following an illness. He was born Nov. 1, 1948, in Fairmont, a son of the late Frank “Doc” Michael and Jacquelinae “Jackie” Sponaugle Michael Horn.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Cunningham Michael, of Mannington; his daughter, April Fittro and husband Jason, of Mannington; two grandsons, Hunter Thomas Fittro and wife Brittany, of Mannington, and Chase Michael Fittro, of Mannington; two brothers, Robert (Helen) Horn, of Mountain City, Tenn., and Mark (Theresa) Michael, of Mannington; one sister, Kelli (Daniel) Pertlove, of Greenville, S.C.; one uncle, Curtis (Betty) Michael, of Mannington; a special cousin, Rebecca Hendershot, of Mannington; a special daughter-in-law, Robyn Walker, of Raleigh Durham, N.C.; several cousins, nieces and nephews; his lifelong friend, Dr. Babette Simms, of Corpus Christi, Texas; and all of his cattle penning family.
In addition to his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by his son Robbie Michael; a grandson, Ethan Fittro; a brother, Bill Horn; stepmother, Joann Michael; stepfather Raymond Horn; and his grandparents who raised him, Jay and Glayds Michael.
Ernie was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam era. He was a coal-miner for 15 years with Consolidated Coal at 4-States and Blacksville #2. He owned and operated Northern Sales for 34 years, Mannington Refuse for 23 years and Michael’s Tire for eight years. He was a horse lover and enjoyed cattle penning all over the United States and was a member of the United States Team Penning Association, the Ranch Sorting Team Penning Association and the Ranch Sorting National Championship.
Ernie was a member of the Rymer Methodist Church, the Mannington Moose Lodge and the Elks. He loved and enjoyed spending time with his grandsons. He loved his time with his friends (Tom Neer, Jack Cunningham and Gary “Little Buddy” Craig) at their cabin and their 4-wheeler ride in May each year.
Family and friends may call at Masters Funeral Home in Mannington from 3-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, beginning with Pastor Kevin Cain officiating. Interment will follow at Mannington Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Celebrate Recovery Mannington, The Children of the CROSS in Mannington, the Mannington Food Pantry and the Pancreatic Cancer Research.
As we continue to recognize attending any services during the COVID-19 situation may not be in the best interest for some, please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. Funeral services will be live-streamed on the funeral home facebook page for those cannot or should not attend due to any health concerns. Masks are now required for in-person attendance.
Condolences:
www.mastersfuneralhomewv.com
