Michael Martin Mars Sr.

September 8, 2022, Michael passed away at the age of 82. Michael was born June 24, 1940 in Akron, Ohio. Enjoying scouting in his youth, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and later was a Cub Scout leader. He graduated from Hower High School in 1959 and in 1961 enlisted in the Marine Corps. He proudly served in Okinawa and VietNam and was honorably discharged in 1964. In 1963 he married Diane (Stripe). They raised their children in Doylestown, Ohio. He had various jobs during his working years. He would say the most enjoyable was at a candy factory making gourmet lollipops. In his retirement years you could find Michael at his favorite flea markets searching for a video for his legendary collection or in his recliner sharing KFC with his cats while watching that new movie. His red Marine Corps baseball cap, poppyseed rolls, Cleveland’s Westside Market and gem collecting were also favorites. He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years Diane; His parents Charlie and Katherine Mars and his brothers Tony and Buddy. Mike is survived by his daughter, Leslie (David Jones)of Kalamazoo, MI; son, Michael (Kathy) of New Bern, NC; grandchildren Nate, Garret, Hanna, Angeline; his sister, Mary as well as a nice and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Community in Kalamazoo for their care and support during the last years of his life. A special thank you to the care teams at Bronson Hospital for their compassionate care. Inurnment will take place at Western Reserve National Cemetery. There will be a small service for immediate family members only.