Michael E. O’Hara

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Michael E. O’Hara in prayerful hope went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 16, 2021.
Michael was born in Indianapolis on 31 May 1948, the second of six children born to Wayne and Gladys O’Hara.
Michael spent his youth in Brown County, Indiana. He obtained his work permit at the age of 14 and immediately entered into the workforce. During his summer months, Michael worked under the employ of Mr. Dick Wetzel. It was in the burning hot hayfields of what was once Bakalar Air Base that Michael began to develop his strong personal ethic of hard work and determination.
Michael graduated from Brown County High School (BCHS) in 1966 with academic achievements. Soon, as Michael began to evolve as an adult citizen, he became convinced because of his compassionate spirit that the only thing he could do to contribute to a better world was to become a United States Marine. Michael served honorably, in 1968, with Co "B" 1st Battalion 26th Marine Regiments during the infamous "Siege of Khe Sanh." Michael would be awarded three Purple Heart Medals for his courage during intense combat operations. Upon returning to the continental U.S. as a very young Sergeant, he would spend the next two years training over 200,000 Marine Recruits in the arts of weaponry. Michael would one day say it was the most important job he ever held, and he was just 20 years old. Michael has always cared deeply for all of his "Marines."
Upon returning to civilian life, Michael would eventually become a small business owner as proprietor of Michael E. O’Hara Custom Carpentry. His artistic skills can still be seen in many homes and businesses in the Brown County area.
However, in 1993, as Michael’s children were leaving the nest, he knew in his deepest thoughts he had much to do. Michael never forgot all the suffering brought about because of the Vietnam War. He set out to honor his high school friend, Larry C. Banks, the only native son to fall during those tragic days. Michael successfully led a drive to name the new high school gymnasium after his friend while also establishing a scholarship fund which has helped numerous young people from the county further their education. Today, the Larry C. Banks Memorial Gymnasium is the focal point as the school and the community are enjoined there each November on Veteran’s Day.
Michael continued his community service with the various veteran’s organizations and in 2014 was rewarded for all his fine work by becoming one of the very first recipients, from the 9th Congressional District, of the "The Congressional Veterans Commendation Award" which was awarded in ceremony and read into the Congressional record by then 9th District congressman, The Honorable Todd Young.
Michael is survived by his two daughters, Charlene Folz (Daniel Folz) of Columbus and Molly Grant (Brad Grant, Senior Chief Petty Officer, USN Ret.) of Bedford. Other survivors include four grandchildren, specifically, Emma Leigh Folz – Company 1st Officer, Abigail Lynn Folz – Company Executive Officer, Haley Christine Grant – Chief of the Boat ("COB") and Leona Mae Folz – Company "Gunner"; siblings, Wayne O’Hara, Brian (Brenda) O’Hara, Pat (Lou) O’Hara, Kitty O’Hara and Penny (Tom) Merena; and several nieces and nephews. In addition, Michael is survived by his lifelong companion, Maxine Bailey, and her three children whom Michael has always considered his own, Joyce Willoughby (Matt), Teresa Dill (Chuck) and Charles David Bailey who all live here locally; and their children, Seth Herrin, Casey Herrin, Charles Arthur Bailey, Breanna Bailey and Brandon Bailey as well.
Michael will be cremated and interred at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison, Indiana at a date to be determined. Donations requested in lieu of flowers can be sent to:
<a href="https://usmc-mccs.org/services/support/wounded-warrior-regiment/" target="_blank">https://usmc-mccs.org/services/support/wounded-warrior-regiment/</a>.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at <a href="http://barkesweaverglick.com/" target="_blank">barkesweaverglick.com</a>.
Arrangements were entrusted to Barkes, Weaver &amp; Glick Funeral Home and Crematory.

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Abigail is a Brown County native dedicated to the community in which she has been raised. She joined the Brown County Democrat newsroom in 2019 while studying English at IUPUC, where she graduated in May 2020. After working as the news advertising coordinator for nearly two years, she became reporter in September of 2021. She took over as editor in the fall of 2022.

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