Michael Lerch

Michael James Lerch

February 21, 1942 - May 30, 2014

On May 30, 2014, Xenia lost an icon, "Mike the Barber"; Michael James Lerch. The Five Points of Xenia has been graced for decades with the landmark Rainbow painted on the back of the barbershop and the patch of pretty sunflowers brightening summer days.

Mike was born in Dayton, February 21, 1942 the son of Glenna (Mann) and Arthur Lerch. Known for his fast haircuts, Mike opened his barbershop in 1963 and survived the 1974 tornado as the shop was destroyed around him. Mike liked to hike, served on the Traffic Commission and truly loved Xenia and everything about it. He was very appreciative of the love and care shown him by customers since he became ill in 2013 with prostate cancer.

Mike passed away Friday May 30, 2014 in the comfort of home and family. He is survived by his loving wife, Adele (Akers) and children Jennifer (Doug) Pope, Jason, Jonathan (Shannon) Lerch, Julie (Wes) Woolf, Michelle (Bill) Phillips and Mark (Julie) Fleck, grandchildren, Shadow Woolf, Brandan, T.J. and Libby Phillips, Terrin and Emily Lerch, Jacob Lerch and Trey Fleck, a sister, Irma (Eddie) Wolf, his in-laws, Jean and Carl Akers as well as other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Eddie Lerch, Grace (Joe) Rogus and Rosemarie Burley.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10AM Thursday, June 5, 2014 at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 312 Fairgrounds Road, Xenia. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 6-8PM at the McColaugh Funeral Home, Inc. 826 N. Detroit Street, Xenia.