Michael H. Means

MICHAEL H. MEANS, Ph .D.
Age 83, of the City of Dayton, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2015. Michael was born in Beloit, WI to Harold and Helen (Rice) Means. He received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, an M.A. in English from The Ohio State University, and a Doctorate in English from the University of Florida in 1963. He and his wife Joan then moved their family into the Five Oaks Neighborhood in Dayton after accepting a position in the English Department at the University of Dayton. He taught there for 38 years, chaired the English Department for four years, and retired as Professor Emeritus. He was a member of the Modern Language Assoc., Medieval Academy, Popular Culture Assoc., Circus Historical Society, Corpus Christi Church and was a volunteer at Dayton History. He championed the City of Dayton by serving twice as Chair of the FROC Priority Board and as a member of the Human Relations Council. He was an avid backer of the UD Flyers and the Green Bay Packers. Cherishing his memory are Joan, his wife, who shared his life journey for 59 years, and his loving children Michele & Charles Dragga; Christopher & Kimberly; Peter & Elizabeth; Anna; Patrick & Pamela; and Kirsten Means. Grandchildren Christopher & Kathryn Hill Dragga; Nathan & Samantha; Steven & Hillary; Annie Jane; Elizabeth; Nicholas; Ellis; and Kiran Means. Great-Grandchildren Gabrielle, Jaron, Gauge, Jameson, Ruby, and Penny Means. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27, 2015 at Westbrock Funeral Home, 1712 Wayne Ave. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Corpus Christi Church, Homewood & Forest Ave. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Michael Means to the Circus World Museum Foundation, Inc., 550 Water Street, Baraboo, WI 53913 or Food for the Poor, Inc., 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073 or St. Vincent de Paul, 124 Apple Street, Dayton, OH 45402.