Michael A. Shope, 79, of Norwalk, Ohio, died on Friday, December 15, 2023, surrounded by family after a battle with cancer.  He was born on July 1, 1944, in Barberton, Ohio, to the late Hugh and Virginia (Segars) Shope.  Michael graduated from Barberton High School where he graduated with honors and participated in football and track and field.

He received both his undergraduate and M.B.A. degrees from The Ohio State University, and was an avid Buckeyes fan and football season ticket holder for most of his life.  Michael loved spending time with his family, children, and grandchildren, following them with unwavering support through their academic, athletic, and professional pursuits.  In particular, he loved watching his sons and grandchildren play football, basketball, baseball, volleyball and soccer.

Professionally, Michael held various executive banking and finance roles spanning a career of more than 40 years, culminating in a role as Chairman of the Board of a community bank in Upper Sandusky.

Michael proudly served his country as part of the United States Army, achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant in the early 1970's.

He enjoyed fishing and battle bots and was a member of the Norwalk Eagles Club 711, Ohio State University Alumni Club, A.I.C.P.A. (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), and Norwalk First Presbyterian Church.

Michael will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Sandra (Livengood) Shope of Norwalk; their children, Mark (Kail) Shope of Norwalk, and Gregory (Rebecca) Shope of Toledo; grandchildren, Haley, Drew, Liam, and Eva Shope; brother, Ronald (Judy) Shope of Cincinnati; and many nieces and nephews.

Michael's visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St., Norwalk, from 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the same location on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor James Hodsden officiating.  Burial will follow in Milan Cemetery, in Milan, Ohio with military honors.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the Norwalk First Presbyterian Church, 21 Firelands Blvd., Norwalk, Ohio, 44857.  Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting: www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.