E. "Mickey" Michael Lukats

E. Michael (Mickey) Lukats, 75, of Wadsworth, OH, passed away suddenly on July 12, 2025. Born on February 18, 1950, to Dr. Elmer and Erma Lukats. He was a longtime resident of Barberton, OH, and spent many cherished years at his vacation home in Hessel, MI.

Mickey was the devoted husband of Becky Lukats for 49 years, a loving father to Michael (Alyson) Lukats and Sarah (Jason) Banks, and a proud grandfather to Jace, Lane, and Elise Banks and Cora Lukats. He was a kind and caring man who deeply loved his family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

He is also survived by his sister, Erma (Cookie) Betts; brother-in-law, Danny Negron; and his mother-in-law, Phyllis Parsons, along with many other relatives and friends who will remember Mickey for his warmth, humor, and generosity.

Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Elmer and Erma Lukats; sister, Elaine Negron; brother-in-law, Chris Betts; father-in-law, Ward Parsons; and many other loved ones who have gone before him.

As a grandchild of The Very Reverend Michael E. Lukats, Mickey was raised with a strong foundation of devotion. A committed Catholic throughout his life, he always placed his faith first. Mickey was a member of both St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church and St. Augustine, where his deep spiritual commitment provided him with strength and guidance.

Mickey treasured his 30 years as a teacher at Barberton High School, where he taught Marketing and, earlier in his career, Auto Mechanics. He was a mentor who considered his students—“his kids”—and maintained relationships with many of them throughout the years.

After his teaching career, Mickey enjoyed working at Tassier Boat Works (formerly Classic and Antique Boats) in Hessel, MI. Hessel and the surrounding Les Cheneaux Islands held a special place in his heart from his teenage years.  Some of his favorite times were spent tooling around town and the waters of Lake Huron.  His LCI friends became family.

Mickey cherished spending time with his grandchildren, family, friends, and neighbors. Always eager to make new connections, he had a special way of brightening anyone's day. Mickey was known for his kindness and willingness to help others navigate life's challenges. He loved his daily drives around town, often stopping to chat and share his warm spirit with everyone he met; he never met a stranger.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 204 Sixth St. NW, Barberton. Burial will follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.