Sgt. Michael Keith “Mikey” Ingram Jr.
March 6, 1987 – April 17, 2010

Michael Keith Ingram was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 6, 1987. Michael was the son of Michael Ingram and Patricia Serrano. He was a 2005 graduate of Monroe High School.

Michael loved listening to music and counted Michael Jackson, Kid Rock, and Elvis Presley as his favorite artists. He had a passion for people and loved to spend time with his friends. He enjoyed taking things apart, and then trying to put them back together again although sometimes he was left with extra parts. Michael had a great sense of humor and liked to “goof” around.

From a very young age, Michael had expressed his desire to serve in the military. He was living his dream serving as an infantryman in the United States Army, “C” Company, First Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Michael passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2010 while serving his country valiantly in Afghanistan. Upon his death he was promoted to Sergeant and earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Sgt. Ingram also is a recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, and NATO Medal.
His passing was preceded by grandfather: James Ingram and “His Angel” a cousin, Samantha Ingram.

He leaves to cherish his memory his parents: Mike and Julie of Newport and Trish and Ron Kitts of Grand Junction Colorado; siblings: Jason “Jay” and Chelsea both of Newport; stepsiblings: Kyle Alexander of Newport, Richie and Jonathan Napier both of Toledo; a nephew: Antonio Alexander of Newport; grandparents: Annie Ingram of Newport, and Dorothy Forgette of Toledo; aunts and uncles: James (Pam) Ingram, Sissy (Jack) Taormina, Gary (Maria) Ingram, Deanna (John) West, Devonna (Aaron) Cooper, Gilbert (Tess) Serrano, Alex (Terry) Serrano, Cindy Serrano, Tina (Trevor) Rogoff, Nuno Serrano, Veronica Serrano, Henry (Lindsay) Serrano, and Brian (Laura) Parros; many cousins, and girlfriend: Jamie West.

Friends may gather from 12:00pm until 8:00pm, Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 where members of the Carleton VFW Post 4093 will perform a walk-through and salute to the flag at 6:00pm. Post Chaplain Bob Musiet and Rev. Kurt Taylor pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Waltz will offer prayer. Friends may then gather from 12:00pm until 8:00pm, Thursday, April 29, also at Merkle’s. At 6:00pm members of the Monroe VFW Post 1138 and Ladies Auxillary will perform a walkthrough Michael will lie in state from 10:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 11:00am, Friday, April 30, 2010 at Stewart Road Christian Ministries Center, 1199 Stewart Road, with Dr. Sean S. O’Neal pastor of the church officiating. He will be conveyed to St. Joseph Cemetery, 909 North Monroe Street with elegance and honor by horse drawn carriage. The Patriot Guard will escort Sgt. Ingram on foot to the cemetery. Graveside services will be with full military honors under the auspices of the Army National Guard and members of the Monroe VFW Post 1138.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Michael Ingram Memorial Fund at Monroe Bank and Trust. Online words of inspiration and comfort can be made by visiting www.merklefuneralservice.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.

His smile has forever left its mark on this world.