MARTINSVILLE
Michael S. Bische, 69, Martinsville, died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015.
Mike was born June 24, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late Albert F. and Lillian (Leather) Bische.
He graduated from Greenwood Community High School in 1964 and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.
He was employed at the Chrysler Foundry for 25 years, retiring in 1999 as a skilled trades supervisor.
Mike was a member of the American Legion Post 500, Brookside Masonic Lodge 720, Murat Shrine and the Scottish Rite. He was a faithful member of the Church at Mount Gilead in Mooresville and was also a longtime firefighter with the Green Township Fire & Rescue, where he served as assistant chief. Mike was on the board of the Purdue Extension and was a longtime supporter of 4-H.
He was an avid race car fan, was part owner of the Whiteland Raceway Park, and founder of the Banta Boys Race Team.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and collecting classic cars. Above all, Mike loved to spend time with his family, especially being an ever-present role model for his grandchildren.
He will be missed by a loving family and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael Sean Bische.
Survivors include his wife, Leigh Ann Bische, to whom he was united in marriage Aug. 18, 1990; sons, Christopher Aaron Bische of Speedway, Chad Harvey Smallman (Jennifer), Matthew Paul Smallman and Parker Smallman, all of Martinsville; brother, Gene Bische of Las Vegas; daughter-in-law, Krisit Bische; and grandchildren, Lyla Victoria and Easton Sean Bische, Noah Hunter and Cole Taig Bische, Caleb and Tyler Smallman.
Friends and family will gather to celebrate the life of Michael S. Bische from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Church at Mount Gilead, 5019 E. State Road 144, Mooresville. The funeral service will be officiated by the Revs. David Thurman and Jeff Faull at 11 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will follow at I.O.O.F Cemetery, Waverly.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mashoko Hippo Valley Christian Mission, P.O. Box 686, Grayson, KY 41143-0686; or to Whitefields World Ministries, P.O. Box 80556, Lansing, MI 48908-0556.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville.
Visit carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sing the online guest registry.
