Homer D. Michaels, 64, of Grafton, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2011, at the Cleveland Clinic, following a brief illness. He was born July 30, 1946 in Cleveland and was a lifelong Grafton area resident. Homer retired from the Pipefitters Local 120 in Cleveland , where he worked for 37 years. He was a 1964 North Ridgeville High School graduate, a United States Army veteran, and enjoyed boating, fishing, traveling, bowling and spending time with his grandchildren, who fondly referred to him as "Papa". Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Sonja (nee Kemp); stepsons, Scott (Melissa) Biltz, of Millersburg, Brian (Barbara) Biltz of Berlin Heights, and Steven (Tina) Biltz of Wellington; nine grandchildren; sisters, Linda (Stan) Jobe of North Ridgeville, Gale (Robert Delaine) Winningham of Elyria and Betty (Thomas) Matus of Elyria; brother, Billy Michaels of Elyria; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Minnie Michaels; a sister, Shirley Michaels; and a niece, Diane Michaels. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 13, 2011, from 4 to 7 P.M., at the Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home of Elyria, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria . Services will be Thursday, April 14, 2011, 10:30 A.M., in the funeral home. The Reverend Chuck Behrens, Chaplain of Hospice of the Western Reserve , will officiate. Burial will be at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon , where members of V.F.W. Post 1079 will conduct full military honors. Online condolences may be expressed at laubenthalmercado.com Service: 10:30 AM Thursday April 14, 2011 Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH. Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Wednesday April 13, 2011 Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH.