Michael "Mike" Edward McConaha, Sr.

Michael “Mike” Edward McConaha, 68, of New Lexington, Ohio peacefully left this world, listening to bluegrass with family at this side on July 22, 2026 at 1405. Mike was born October 2, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio to Jean Ann (Albright) and Carl E McConaha.

Mike is survived by his children, Loretta (Rick) Whitmer, Michael McConaha Jr, Allison Fox, Savannah Fox, Roselee (Tyler) Poling. His grandchildren, Sierra McConaha, Teagan Fox, Tearyn Fox, Hayden Starkey, Dallas McConaha, Shaun-Michael Poling, Mya Poling, Dylan McConaha, and Tealyn Fox. His great-grandchildren, Isla Romaine and Mila Mattox. His sisters, Deb (Jim) Dennis and Joyce Epifano. His brothers, Bruce McConaha and Rick McConaha. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

In addition to his parents, Mike is proceeded in death by his brothers, Steve “Eral” McConaha and Christopher McConaha, and his nephews, Christopher Hill, Brady Conrad, and Christopher Summers.

Mike served 6 years in the United States Navy, from 1974-1980. In this time, he served in the final parts of the Vietnam War. He would reminisce over the years about being aboard the USS Ouellet (FF-1077). The Navy took him many places during this time including San Francisco, Guam, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Florida, and Pearl Harbor. As a proud Veteran you could always find him wearing his Navy rings and his Navy hat.

Mike had many troubles throughout his life, especially in the more recent years with his health, but that never stopped him from enjoying the life that he lived. From a very young age he would sit at his mother’s side where he learned to sing and harmonize with her. From there his love for music grew into something more. He picked up many instruments and self-taught along the way. These included a mandolin, guitar, banjo, dobro, and you could even find him playing the spoons. He never missed Sunday Bluegrass or his chance to whistle a tune or sing along. Many in Mike’s life will tell you that his musical talent influenced their love of music that they carry with them today. Not only did his music influence those around him, but who he was as a person did as well. This contributed to his many name sakes: his nephew, his son, and his two grandsons. You could find Mike enjoying all aspects of nature and being outdoors, spending countless hours in the garden, mushroom hunting, ginseng hunting, fishing, spending time at the river or his most favorite: losing track of time on a nice country ride with a Busch Light in hand! Mike was also a storyteller, from his children to his grandchildren, he will always be remembered for telling “spookies” to his littles or getting in his “house” to tell a story. He was proud of many things, but his greatest pride in life came from being a grandpa to Papaw’s babies.

A special thank you to Aviata Post Acute nursing home staff, Interim Hospice staff, his neighbor and friend, Jason Euman for the selfless help and friendship created, Rebecca Mitchell for the care and love provided to Mike during his health battles.

Per Mike’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. Celebration of life will take place on August 7, 2026 from 6p-10p in the upstairs of the New Lexington Eagles where Mike was a member for many years. Please join us in celebrating his life with good food, good music, and a cold beer.

Caring Cremation® will be performed. A graveside service will take place at a later date where his ashes will be buried at the Rehoboth Cemetery so that he can have a proper Military send off home.