Michael J. Place

Michael J. Place, 76, of Peru, passed from this life to his eternal home on Friday, November 27, 2020 at 4:46am at Blair Ridge.

He was born in Peru on October 19, 1944 to Robert and Josephine Place.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Laura (Laurie) Griffith Place, his son James Channon Place (Susan) and his granddaughter, Hannah Place.  Also, his sister, Patricia Fouts (Charlie) of Seymour, sister-in-law Betty Place of Texas, brother-in-law Dalton A. Griffith (Francia) of Las Vegas, and brother-in-law Stan Leedy (Karma) of Plymouth, as well as several nieces and nephews and their families.

Those preceding him in death are his parents, Robert and Josephine Place, brother Robert S. Place, nephew Bradly Fouts, in-laws Dalton and Jean Griffith, sister-in-law Carol Leedy, and niece Laura Griffith.

Michael went to Chili through his junior year in high school, then graduated from North Miami High School in 1961.  He was a Vietnam veteran, and a member of the Denver Baptist Church.  He retired from Nipsco in 2002 after 37 years of service.  He had a very strong work ethic, also farming his dad’s farm while working full time.  If anyone needed help with anything, he was there.  He served on the Denver Volunteer Fire Department for many years.  He enjoyed keeping his lawn manicured with his “fleet” of John Deeres.  He dearly loved his puppy dogs, Hiedi, Chelsea, Murphy, Webster, and Elli.  He was an avid sports fan, enjoying IU football and basketball, and the Colts.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and appreciation to the doctors and staff of the cancer center of St. Vincent’s Hospitals in Kokomo and Indianapolis, and also to all of the drivers for the Y-Transit, the staff at Blair Ridge, and the most precious nurses ever, Susie, Mel, Shannon, Lori, and Jennifer – may God bless you all.  Also, thanks to Kindred Hospice, and chaplain Steve Fleck and Jay Kendal.

Visitation will be held from 11am to 1pm on Friday, December 11, 2020 at the Denver Baptist Church.  A short service will follow at 1pm, with Pastor Jerry Long and Pastor Rod Correll officiating.  Burial will take place at Westlawn Cemetery in Denver, Indiana.  Military service will be provided by the Miami County Military Rites Team.  (Due to COVID-19 restrictions, face coverings will be required and social distancing guidelines will be observed.)

Memorial donations may be made to the Denver Baptist Church, the Humane Society, and/or the Miami County Military Rites Team.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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