In Memory
Michael Oliver Vawter
April 2, 1958 ~ February 19, 2025
LANCASTER, SC – Mr. Michael Oliver Vawter, age 66, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025. He was born April 2, 1958, in South Bend, Indiana, son of the late Clarence “Turk” Vawter and the late Margret “Peggy” (Cooke) Vawter. Mike was born the third of seven children and was the oldest son.
Mike began his working career at the age of 14 as a paperboy for the South Bend Tribune with over 80 customers. He delivered the papers on his bike and would walk his route in the winter due to the snow. Mike also worked at McDonalds and Mathis Machine Shop before becoming a truck driver. He then achieved his dream job as an Owner Operator and drove for K & B Transport for several years. At one point driving over 1 million consecutive miles without an accident. He delivered all over the US including cell towers where he would back up mountains on single lane roads and even had clearance to make deliver to NASA Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. In 2017, he was unable to continue driving and moved to Lancaster, SC to stay with his brother. Mike absolutely loved driving a truck and was not shy about giving driving advice to family and friends.
When Mike left this earth, he was greeted by his parents; sister, Janie Tarwacki; and nephew, Christopher Wycoff who entered heaven before him.
He is survived by his siblings, Becky Vawter (Bloomfield, MI), Mark & Pat Vawter (Tulsa, Ok), Sue Wycoff (Niles, MI), Richard Vawter (Lancaster, SC), and John & Thia Vawter (South Bend, IN). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Adam & Jeanna Tarwacki (Edwardsburg, MI), Peter & Ruth Tarwacki (Granger, IN), Amy Tarwacki (Cassopolis, MI), Andrew & Gabby Wycoff (Crozet, VA), Ashley Wycoff (Niles, MI), Logan Vawter (Tulsa, OK) and his great niece Brooklyn and great nephews Noah, Grant, Bear, and Jude. Mike will also be missed by his four-legged friends, Betty Joe and Bobbie Sue who loved their afternoon naps with him.
Private services will be held at a later date in South Bend, IN with Reverend Randy Pearman, his lifelong friend officiating.
2/23/2025 djb
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