Died May 11, 2023
Michael William Putman, 74, of Mio, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at home in Mio, Michigan.
Family includes his spouse Kathy Latch Putman; parents William Edward Putman and Lillian (Peters) Putman; children Michael Kirk Putman, Catherine Putman, Cirisan (Jeff), Christopher Scott Putman (Cheryl) and Bridget Marie Putman; brother William Edward Putman II; grandchildren Benjamin Carson and Madeline Carson, Abigail, Bethany and Elizabeth Putman and Aubrey Putman Hughes; and great-grandchildren Elliott and Oliver Carson and Henry Hughes.
Honoring my husband: He served his county in U.S. Army Reserves as Captain. He was a deacon, serving at Living Water Lutheran Church in Mio.
Everything he did he gave his all, which included being in law enforcement and counseling adjudicated youth. He even worked at Firestone Farm at the Henry Ford Greenfield Village. It is a working farm, so he became an 1890’s farmer, caring for sheep and pigs, and harnessing Percheron horses for plowing the field.
He loved me and I loved him.
I will spend my summer up here in, working with the church family that he and I love.
There is something about living in a trailer on a dirt road up north in Michigan, as opposed to living in our house in Metro Detroit.
I am surrounded by trees and open pastures across from the dirt road. There are no lions and tigers but there are bears, wild turkeys, turtles, and butterflies.
There are no streetlights and no heavy traffic on this dirt road. It is a place of healing.
Our German Shepherd sleeps by my side and occasionally gets up searching for Michael. My heart is searching for him as well. I was not ready to say goodbye, not to my rock, my soulmate and best friend.
Reality has changed forever.
My faith and Michael’s faith in Jesus lets me know I will see Michael again. Jesus promises that to me. I could be angry and bitter and get stuck. But I trust God. He has spoken and when He knows I am ready, the Holy Spirit will show me the next step. Michael and I both loved Jesus and served a great God. I know that no matter what happens next, I still serve a Great, Great God!
Thank you for letting me share my grief, Kathy.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 15 at Living Water Lutheran Church, 207 Fourth Street, Mio, Michigan.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.
