HUTCHINSON — Richard Alan "Rick" Michael, loving husband, father, "Papa," brother and friend, went to be with his divine savior on Jan. 28 at Hospice House in Hutchinson. Born April 14, 1952, in Lyons, he was 59. On Sept. 14, 1979, he married Tonya Jean Rojas in Hutchinson. He spent many years as an oilfield driller throughout the Midwest. In 1991 he graduated from Hutchinson Community College and in 1993 he received his L.B.S.W. as a Phi Theta Kappa graduate of Bethel College. A former resident of Coats, moving to Hutchinson in 1989, he was a social worker for Horizons Mental Health, New Beginnings and Reno County Resource Center for Independent Living.

Mr. Michael was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran. His duties included coastal work serving time on shipboard, delivering supplies and ammo. He was awarded the M-16 and M-14 Rifle Badges, National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was a member of C.M.A. – Christian Motorcycle Association, Patriot Guard and CrossPoint Church.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; three children, Misty Nachtigal and husband David of Great Bend, Melanie Michael and Larry Jeremiah, and Christopher Alan Michael and Mena Sanchez, both of Hutchinson; two brothers, Terry of Wichita and Rod of Cheney; sister, Sue Banbury of Pratt; seven grandchildren, Makayla "Mackie", Triana "T-Birdie", Taiya "Peewee", L.J. "Jack", Macy, Miya, and Kylan "Bucky"; many nieces and nephews; and all those who lovingly referred to Rick as "Papa."

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at CrossPoint Church with Pastor Andy Addis presiding. Burial will be at Fairlawn Burial Park. Memorials may be sent to the C.M.A. in care of the funeral home. Visit www.penwellgabelhutchinson.com to leave personal condolences for the family.