Micheal Dearth

Michael Robert Dearth, 64, of Toledo, Ohio passed peacefully away early Friday, September 30, 2016, at St Vincents Hospital surrounded by his loved ones of a previously unknown heart condition. Michael was born in Toledo on May 1,1952 to Robert and Joanne (Gregg) Dearth. He was the owner and operator of Toms Coil Cleaning and was an expert draft beer system cleaning specialist. Mikes volunteerism and community activism were exceptional. In his own neighborhood, he volunteered as Block Watch Area Leader. Subsequently, he was elected city-wide Chairman of the Toledo Neighborhood Block Watch Program four times. During his seven years as Chairman, beginning in January 2004, he partnered with law enforcement, fire department officials, and City administrators to successfully develop the Toledo Neighborhood Block Watch Program. During his term, Michael and the TNBW Program became the recipients of many awards and recognitions from City Council and City Administration. One of his proudest moments as Chairman was when the Program was nationally recognized and awarded the National Sheriffs Association 2008 Award of Excellence by a Neighborhood Watch Group. Another great source of pride came in 2008 when Mike was recognized as Toledoan of the Year for Leadership 2007. Mike also served as a member of the Lucas County Citizens Corp Council, Small Business Task Force, Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee, Alexis Road Task Force, and 43612 Neighborhood Beatification Committee. He was a member and President and Vice President of the Ottawa-Jermain Park Advisory Board. He graduated the FBI Citizens Academy and served on the FBI Citizens Academy Board. Upon deciding to not seek reelection as Block Watch Chairman, Mike was presented in December 2010, not only a Resolution from Toledo City Council, but the Key to the City of Toledo in recognition of his 11 plus years of selfless service to the community and the City of Toledo Neighborhood Block Watch Program. Mike was an accomplished musician and singer. He was well-known on the Toledo music scene most notably as the lead singer of the Sugar Daddy$. Mike was a member of other bands over the years including The Wolftones and Rebels Without Applause. He was a BMI recording artist and recorded two solo albums: God, Women and the Blues and Haunted Heart. He had a strong love for the blues and progressive rock and enjoyed spending time playing his many guitars. He passed his love for music on to his nephews and mentored them and many others on the guitar. Mike valued his family above everything. He gladly took on the role of father for his nephews and became a guiding figure, lending his support to many. Later in life, Mike took on the role of caregiver for his mother. Mike was a 1970 graduate of Whitmer High School and an OSU and BGSU alum. Mike is survived by his mother, Joanne Dearth, sister, Cheryl Schwanger, nephews, Derek, Jason, and Andrew Schwanger, and the love of his life, Jane Mullikin and her children: Jenna Mizer and Kenneth and David Mullikin. He was preceded in death by his father. He was a huge presence in the lives of many and is deeply missed. Memorial visitation will be at H. H. Birkenkamp Funeral Home, 3219 Tremainsville Rd (at Alexis) 419-473-1301 on Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 3:00 pm until Sharing of Memories beginning at 5:00 pm. Online condolence for Mikes family may be given at www.birkenkampfuneralhome.com