Michael Joseph Converse, 88, of Maryville, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026. Born with a servant's heart on May 7, 1937, in Massillon, Ohio, he spent countless hours serving his community and church families through his work with the Knights of Columbus, Social Action, food pantries, and veteran's organizations including Catholic War Veterans.

Michael was known for his sense of humor and story telling and always had a "Dad Joke" to share. He was a devout Catholic, attending daily mass for years. He attended the University of Akron, paid for by parish priests, to become a teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in Massillon, the parish where he grew up. He eventually worked in graphic design and started his own business. He served his country in the U.S. Army in post-war Korea. He shared his passion for all things Irish and Notre Dame, which his children and grandchildren proudly carry on to this day!

Preceded in death by parents Leo and Florence Converse, in-laws Charles and Catharine Kimmel, siblings Jane, Mary, Jack, Bob, and Lois. Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Betty Ann (Kimmel), children Jerry (Lori), Michele (Scott), Julie (Paul), Jeanette, Margaret, and Jonathan (Rachel), grandchildren Nick (Caitlin), Sydney (Pat), Kimmel, Hadley, Ellie (Austin), Emma, Casen, and Mary Catherine (Michael), great grandchildren Mercy, Daniel, Colten, Perri, Dylan, and Jordan, siblings Jim, Jerry (Valerie), and David (Marti), and a host of relatives and friends.

Receiving of friends will be held at Miller Funeral Home in Maryville, February 3rd, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral mass at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Alcoa will be held on February 4th, at 10:00 AM, followed by burial at East TN Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Hwy at 12:30. Funeral mass will be live-streamed via ourladyoffatima.org. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic War Veterans or Veteran organizations of your choosing.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7. Go Irish!☘️