Michael Joseph Churchill, 76, lifetime Osawatomie resident, died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006, at his home after an extended illness.

Joe, as he was more commonly known, was born March 31, 1929, in Osawatomie, the only child of Michael Francis and Mary Elizabeth Jordan Churchill. His father was an Osawatomie police officer who was killed in the line of duty. He attended Osawatomie schools, graduating from Osawatomie High School with the Class of 1946. He attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Mo.

Mr. Churchill worked for Allied Signal, formerly the Bendix Corp., as a scheduler, retiring in 1987 after 31 years of service.

He was a member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Paola Council No. 1149, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 921.

He enjoyed being with his canine pals, Lucky and Rusty, until their deaths.

Survivors include cousins and his best friend and neighbor, Charlene Maimer.

Services were Tuesday at the church under the direction of Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home of Osawatomie. Pallbearers were Ted Bartlett, Bob Butters, Duwayne Tewes, Scott Wheatley, Harold Whitley and Bill Fouts. Burial was in Osawatomie Cemetery.

Memorials are to the church or the Bea Martin Peck Animal Shelter in Ottawa.