Michael Shepas

Poland - Michael "Mike" Shepas, 96, of Poland, died Thursday morning, October 27, 2016 at the Inn at Glenellen.

Mike was born January 28, 1920 in Campbell, OH, one of eight children to John and Katherine Berkley Shepas. Raised in Campbell, Mike made his home on Parkway in Poland and later James Place.

Mike attended Campbell Memorial High School. A self made man at the age of 16, Mike altered his age on his birth certificate so that he could start work at the Youngstown Sheet & Tube to help support his family. In 1945, at the end of World War II, Mike was drafted into the United States Army and served stateside.After being honorably discharged he returned to the area to raise his family.

Mike had numerous careers throughout his life. From 1950 until 1961 he owned and operated Sinclair Service Station in Struthers. He was regional manager of Phillips 66 from 1961 until 1963. He then was parts manager for Cerni Pontiac in Boardman before becoming a sales manager for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. The last position Mike held was in sales for Trans Parts, an automobile supply company in Youngstown. He retired from Trans Parts in 1984 after 20 years of service.

Mike was a gardener and was featured in a Stan Boney segment for his LARGE tomato plants. A woodworker, Mike was always making crafts and gifts for the church and family. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, was a veracious reader, and a regular at the Poland Library. Mysteries were his favorites along with authors, Patterson, Balducci, and Ludlum.

A road trip, planned, or on spur of the moment, most infamous to the family was attending John F. Kennedy's funeral. He and Eleanor and their family also traveled the United States, including Hawaii and numerous cruises.

Mike was a member of the Evangel Baptist Church in Boardman where he volunteered his time at the food pantry. At Glenellen, he attended Glenellen Church and sang solos every Saturday, and read the scriptures at Bible study.

Mike's wife, Eleanor Maizel, whom he married January 14, 1939 died April 9, 2002. He leaves two daughters, Shirley (Gordon) Williams of Ellsworth Township and Beverly (Carl E.) Walters of Canfield; four grandchildren, Michael (Heather) Williams, Elizabeth (Jim) Tilton, Carl E. (Tracey) Walters II and Craig E. (Jennifer) Walters; and five great-grandchildren, Nicklas and Jack Tilton, Virginia Williams, Cooper and Julianna Walters.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mike was preceded in death by one sister, Anna Cindrich; and six brothers, Tony, Hank, George, John, Nick, and Steve Shepas.

A Memorial service will be held Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market Street with Pastor Randy Brunko officiating. Friends will be received Saturday from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow at the Becker Family Center. Interment for Mike will be at the Poland Riverside Cemetery.

Michael's family would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful staff at Glenellen for their kindness and care, especially Kathy, R. N. whom he admired so much.

Contributions may be made to the Evangel Baptist Church, 5248 Southern Blvd., Boardman, OH 44512 or to Glenellen Church, 9661 Market Street, North Lima, OH 44452.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.