ELKHART — Michael S. "Mike" Avery, 61, of Elkhart, passed away at Elkhart General Hospital following a brief illness at 5:11 p.m. Tuesday, July 22.

He was born in Mishawaka on Oct. 30, 1952, to James and Winifred (Holmes) Avery.


Avery (Photo Supplied)
He later married Rhonda A. "Muff" Kittredge in Elkhart on Nov. 12, 1977.

While Winifred survives in Mishawaka, Mike was preceded in death by his father and his wife.

Also surviving are his son, Staff Sgt. Cody A. Avery of San Antonio; brothers Larry (Penny) Avery of Elkhart and Denny (Jeananne) Avery of Bridgeman, Mich.; and his brother-in-law, Paul (Judy) Kittredge.

Services will be at Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart, with visitation taking place from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 28. A service will be at noon Tuesday, July 29, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Prairie Street Cemetery with the U.S. Navy funeral honor guard and DAV 19 of Elkhart rendering military graveside honors.

Mike was an over-the-road and construction truck driver for nearly 30 years and served many years with the Baugo Township and Penn North fire departments as well. He also served in the U.S. Navy as a fireman's apprentice aboard the carrier CVA 34, USS Oriskany, during the Vietnam War.

Memorial donations may be given to the Humane Society of Elkhart County, The Elkhart County Blue Star Mothers or to the Baugo Township Fire Department.

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