Micheal Gene Simon, 76, of Shelby, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024. He was born October 23, 1947, the son of Frank and Jeane (Matiash) Simon.

Mike graduated from Shelby High School in 1965, and continued his education at Grand Rapids Community College before joining the U.S.  Air Force: he proudly served his country as SSGT and a fire protection specialist for four years. While in the U.S. Air Force Mike married, Tamara Heer in 1969. They moved back to Michigan, and raised their son, Timothy, in Shelby and became a long-time member of the Shelby-Benona Fire Department.

Mike enjoyed the great outdoors, whether it was fishing especially with his son Tim, at the Two Hearted River fishing for steelhead, upland bird hunting with his brother-in-law, Bob, or just spending time outdoors fishing or hunting with his grandsons. He loved his impromptu dates with his daughter-in-law, Annie, coffee with all his friends, holiday gatherings with the Matiash family, and taking trips to the Upper Peninsula.

Mike's biggest passion was baseball, playing fast pitch softball in the U.S. Air Force and continued playing once back in Shelby, on the Shelby Merchants baseball teams as well as several Shelby fast pitch softball teams. If he wasn't playing baseball, he was watching his beloved Chicago Cubs, or his grandson's playing baseball for their high school teams.

Mike is survived by: his son, Timothy (Andrea) Simon; grandsons, Nicholas Simon and Chase Simon; brother, Frank J. Simon; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mike was preceded in death by: his parents; and sister, Terry A. Simon.

In accordance with Mike's wishes a private graveside burial will take place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shelby High School, 641 North State Street, Shelby, MI 49455. Please write Baseball Program in the memo.

The Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is handling arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com