Michael Warren Hollaway

Michael Warren Hollaway died from living. His was a heart so big that he loved generously, gave freely and fought fiercely for the things he believed in. His was not a soft, sappy type of love, but love toughened and strengthened by challenge. His heart grew bigger, his circle of love larger each year as he embraced the sorrows and joy of his life and that of family and friends. Michael died Friday, at the age of 35, in the wind on his Harley heading for home. Michael lived life full throttle, always bringing the family he cherished and the friends he cultivated along for the ride. Sometimes, all you could do was hang on! Wherever he went, Michael, the youngest of four, brought the fun. His five nephews, who he adored, knew this better than anyone. To them he was “Funcle” who never tired of hide-and-seek and took precision aim with a potato gun. Michael was the life of any party. He wasn’t wetted to the clock, moved on his own time, at his own pace. Unapologetically himself, Michael always showed up - usually late. When he did arrive, though, he was ready to kick it into gear. Michael was a family first guy. He was there to welcome each of his nephews into the world, waiting for hours in the hospital to mark their arrival with his infectious joy. “He was the baby of the family, but completed us,” said his sister Mary Hollaway. Michael’s fur baby Crain, a trusted and constant companion, helped to round out his loyal family. Country, honor, duty mattered to Michael. He was steadfast, at times strongheaded, even intransigent in the way that men with strong convictions can be. At 6’5,” he was a gentle giant, steely too. At an early age, Michael showed that he was both fearless and optimistic as he faced down a tumor nestled at the base of his brain. Thanks to the deft hands of his surgeon and his family’s prayers, the 18-year-old proved that he was right, that he had the right stuff and that he would not only survive but would thrive. Thrive he did, with open arms and an open heart. In his short life, Michael gave meaning to the famous words of philosopher Marcus Aurelius. “It is not death that a man should fear, but rather he should fear never beginning to live." Michael is survived by his parents Rick and Susan Hollaway of Hebron; grandmother Ruth Holaway Benson; brothers Nicholas Zappia, Richard Hollaway (Sarah), sister Mary Hollaway; aunts Sharon Holaway Sanders (Charles), Diana Holaway Hayne, Teresa Kopil (Jeff), Nancy Engel (Don); uncle David Galloway (Erica) and his partner Nicole Billick. He also is survived by 10 cousins and beloved nephews Henry and Warren Baessler, Zander Zappia, and James and Connor Hollaway. Michael was preceded in death by his grandmother Shirley Alexander Galloway and grandfathers Gary Galloway (Paula Ellis) and Cecil Holaway. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at Burns Funeral Home and Crematory, 10101 Broadway Crown Point, IN. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. after a private family viewing at 2 p.m. There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m. There will be a private family burial at a later time. In his memory, please tell someone you love them, and in lieu of flowers consider a gift to the American Brain Tumor Association www.abta.org, Operation Charlie Bravo www.combatbikesaver.org, or It’s a Pittie Rescue www.rescueapittie.org. To send flowers to the family of Michael, please visit our floral store.

Michael Warren Hollaway

August 16, 1988 - August 2, 2024