Matthew Lowe Michael

Matthew Lowe Michael, 62, went home to be with the Lord and all his family that have gone before him on June 10, 2026.

Matt was born in Fairmont, WV, on October 20, 1963. He graduated from Rivesville High School in 1981. Matt volunteered and proudly served in the United States Navy as a Hull Tech aboard the USS Orion in the Mediterranean. After leaving the Navy, he attended Columbus State College where he came to the conclusion that he needed to be outside working with his hands.

He became an apprentice with the Ironworkers Local Union #172. He worked in all aspects of ironwork, but building bridges became his passion. He claimed nearly every bridge in central Ohio as his. When he worked on building a bridge, he took ownership of that bridge as if it were in his backyard. He became so proficient at welding that the inspectors knew his welds on sight. He earned the respected position as a Superintendent on iconic bridges, and his projects won many awards. He took many friends and family on tours to see the Columbus Main Street Bridge and his final project, the Dublin Link.

He had a few projects on The Ohio State University, including the Lane Avenue Bridge, the football stadium, the basketball arena, and the recreation facility for the students. Matt was a huge Buckeye fan. He was often heard singing Across the Field, Carmen Ohio, or We Don’t Give a Damn for the Whole State of Michigan as he worked.

He selflessly volunteered to assist in the building of an orphanage for displaced girls in Haiti following one of the hurricanes that devastated the island.

He was volunteered by his “grand babies” to help with set builds for the high school plays and choir productions. He quickly became responsible for set construction.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mary Alberta (Bertie) Toothman Michael. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Duane Michael.

He is survived by his siblings, Michael Michael and his wife Charlotte, Jackelyn Dee Johnson, and Johnna Shelton and her and husband Paul; nieces Bridgett Bays and her husband Rob, Katy Brown and her husband Zacc, Wendy Hall and her husband Jason, and Melanie Taylor and her husband Stew; nephews Larry Johnson and wife Christy, and Jack Michael and his wife Rachel, Steven Behner, David Behner and wife Mallorie. He also leaves behind many great nieces and nephews, including those he claimed as his “grand babies,” Elizabeth Chin, Sarah Chin, and Philip Chin; as well as Sydney Michael, Cooper Hall, Kayla Rolland, Tate Rolland, Lindsey Johnson, Curtis Bell, Miley Johnson, Sloane Quealy, Tristan Strickland, Kirsten Mafana, and Chris Mafana. He was also blessed with four great-great nieces and nephews Delaney Rolland, CJ Bell, Cassidy Bell, and AJ Mafana.

There are numerous extended family members that claimed a special place in his heart. Matt shared his love and generosity with everyone.

Matt was a member of Saint Patrick Parish in London, Ohio. He went through Rite of

Christian Initiation of Adults. He completed a year of attending classes and learning about Catholicism, deciding to be baptized and confirmed Catholic. Asked not long ago why he had made this decision, he responded saying that he wanted to be a better man.

During Matt’s journey following his heart failure diagnosis whenever he was asked anything related to a time frame he would say, “I’ve had a good life.” Even facing a fatal illness he found faith and strength through Jesus Christ, our Savior. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering love have left a lasting imprint on every life he touched.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Matt’s memory to Saint Patrick Church, 61 S. Union Street, London, Ohio 43140.