LAVELLE, Michael Benjiman, of Flushing, age 75, died Saturday, August 5, 2023 at McLaren Flint Hospital surrounded by his family..  Funeral services will be held 12:30 PM Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at the Plumb-Smith Funeral Home, Rev. Sarah LaRose-Nettell officiating.  Burial will follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery.  Mr. Lavelle will lie in state at the Plumb-Smith Funeral Home, G-1208 North Ballenger Highway, Flint Township, where friends may visit 12:00 - 2:00 and 4:00 - 7:00 PM, Tuesday August 15,2023.  A Masonic Memorial Service will be held 7:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.  Mike was born in Flint, June 4,1948, the son of  Albert and Eulale Mayme (Atkison) Lavelle, of Flint Township.

His siblings include Dr. Margaret Lavelle - Hejhal. Half siblings include Frank Lavelle, Henry Lavelle, Pauleen Lavelle-Martini, Betty Lavelle- Polsgrove.

Mike graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1966.  Later, he attended Mott College becoming a member of Phi Delta Tau. He received an Associate Degree in Skilled Trades Machine Repair.  After college Michael entered the United States Army serving from 1970-1972 as an Athletic coach. Upon returning from his mil;itary service he worked in skilled trades as a master mechanic for GM. Michael retired in 2002, after over 30 years in the automobile industry.

He was an active member of the Goodrich Lodge #548 F&A.M, serving as a worshipful master in 1983 and again in 1999.  A member of Elf Khurafeh Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. he was active as a Shrine Clown know as Big Balloon.  He was a great showman who always made sure to regularly participate in the Circus both locally and in other cities. After retiring, he spent his time traveling from place to place, and never met a stranger. His favorite saying taken, from a Shrine mentor and friend was "No matter where you go, there you are."

In 1970 at Mott Community College he met and married Kathleen Elain Fisher. They went on to have three children, divorcing in 1986. Children and their spouses listed in order of age. Jennifer K. Caywood married Thomas J. Caywood married 24 years. Kyle Albert Lavelle married Karen Bessy-Lavelle married 12 years and Michael Benjiman McFarland Lavelle married Charlene Burns-Lavelle married 16 years.

Grandchildren to include step grandchild listed in order of birth right by parent.  Sammantha Caywood, Thomas Caywood jr., Daniel Caywood, Toben Caywood. Sophia Clair Lavelle and Amelia Rose Lavelle. Michael Benjiman McFarland Lavelle II, Mason Charles John Lavelle, Savanna Lacey.