William Gustav (Bill) MihayCOLUMBUS, INDIANA
Bill Mihay, 90, passed from this life Friday December 11, 2020 in Clearwater, Florida.
Mr. Mihay was born September 30, 1930 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Gustav August and Ollie Louise Smith Mihay. He was a 1948 graduate of Columbus High School during which time he was a member of “The Junior City Slickers”, a group of young men presenting humorous interpretations in the vein of then popular entertainer Spike Jones.
Mr. Mihay served in the United States Navy as a Radio Operator assigned to an aircraft bomber crew, achieving the rank of Second Class Petty Officer. His experience in the Navy introduced him to his love for overseas travel taking him to many different countries. The G.I. Bill enabled him to earn his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Indiana University. A dedicated fan of his Hoosiers, he maintained season tickets for football and basketball for many years.
Bill began his career in education at Centerville, Indiana for three years before entering the Peace Corps, serving as an educator in Ethiopia from 1962-1964. Upon his return to the United States he began teaching in what was to become the Atterbury Job Corps Center working with high risk students. Seeking a return to classroom teaching, he began his teaching career with the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation teaching at Central Junior High/Middle School and Southside Junior High until his retirement.
Bill always felt fortunate in being able to express his passion for theater performing in several productions with the Columbus Arts Guild and The Black Curtain Dinner Theater in Indianapolis.
While teaching at Southside Junior High in the early 1970’s Bill initiated and sponsored a program of taking groups of students from Southside to the then Muscatatuck State Hospital and Training Center to assist in recreational activities provided to the residents. At Christmas time, he donned a Santa suit to the delight of many at a variety of charitable functions. During this time he was a board member of the Bartholomew County Mental Health Association and member of the Indiana State Commission for the Handicapped always dedicating himself to the success of others.
An avid golfer, he would become a regular at local golf courses as well several around his winter home in Florida. Through the years he was able to experience the joy of a hole-in-one on seven different occasions! He was a member of the Moose Lodge #398 and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #741.
Mr. Mihay was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Allen Mihay. He is survived by his brother, Gerald (Lou Ann) Mihay Sr.; nieces and nephews, Jerry (Diane) Mihay Jr., Mark Mihay, Beth Mihay Mahdesian, Kim (Greg) Eldred and Kelly (Bobby) Brown; several great-nieces and nephews; and great- great-nephews.
A private service will be held at Barkes, Weaver, and Glick Funeral Home Tuesday, December 22, 2020 followed by interment at Garland Brook Mausoleum. We do ask visitors to follow social distancing guidelines inside the funeral home and masks are required. At Bill’s request, a celebration of life will take place at a later date as conditions permit.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Bartholomew County Humane Society, the Salvation Army, Mooseheart, or your preferred charitiy.
Online condolences can be made to the Mihay family at barkesweaverglick.com.
