Michael Patrick Metz
January 11, 1942 — April 12, 2015
Michael P. Metz was born January, 11, 1942 in Los Angeles California to Mildred and Robert Metz. Mike grew up in Downey, California and was one of the first graduating seniors of Warren High School in 1959. Mike’s life was forever changed in high school when he became a Christian and accepted the free gift of salvation. After high school, Mike attended Pacific Christian College in Long Beach from 1959-1961.
Prior to graduation Mike enlisted in the U.S. Air Force from 1962-1966. He was stationed overseas as a Radio Intercept Analyst Specialist and served his country proudly. After Mike returned from his tour of activity duty, Mike was in the reserves. While involved with the reserves, he attended Long Beach City College from 1966-1967. After receiving his AA, Mike transferred to Cal State Long Beach and attended from 1967-1968.
Mike met his wife, Shirley Thompson, at Lakewood First Presbyterian Church in the spring of 1968 where he worked maintenance for the church while attending Cal State Long Beach. He arrived early to clean Shirley’s Sunday School classroom each week hoping for a chance meeting. They met and were married December, 1968 and were married for 46 years.
Mike and Shirley moved to West Los Angeles where Mike worked for the W.T. Grant Co. (Grants Department Store) from 1969-1974 as the Assistant Store Manager. Later, Mike began working for Tile World as an Assistant Store Manager in North Hollywood from 1974-1977.
Mike’s first son, Brian, was born November, 1976 and Mike moved his family from Canoga Park to Littlerock, CA., Due to his experience working as a store manager, Mike desired to open his own retail tile business. He opened his shop in Palmdale, CA in 1977 called The Tile Store catering to “Do It Yourself” tile installation customers.
While in Littlerock, Mike and his family attended Palmdale First Presbyterian Church. Mike was actively involved in the church and served on the church board, but continued to pray for a Calvary Chapel to be established in the high desert. It was at this time that Mike headed a home Bible study with very close friends. While in Littlerock, Mike was blessed with the birth of Matthew in 1978 and Katie in 1982.
Due to business setbacks and health issues in 1984, Mike moved his family to the Long Beach area where he obtained a job at the Ceramic Tile Center. A heart attack and a quadruple by-pass surgery forced Mike to retire in 1997 from the tile business due to lung complications after the surgery.
After retirement, Mike encouraged his family and neighbors through his playful interactions. Neighbors could count on hearing hello from across the street and family could count on friendly teasing. Grandsons looked forward to hugs and rides on the electric carts at Costco with grandpa. Mike loved his wife and family and was loved by others.
April 12, 2015 Mike relocated to heaven after battling COPD and congestive heart failure. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. Now he receives his eternal reward in heaven. He no longer has trouble breathing and no longer has to carry the burdens of sickness.
He is survived by his wife Shirley Metz, his brother Bob Metz, his sister Dorothy Sudberry, his sons Brian Metz and Matthew Metz, his daughter Katie Polanco, and his grandsons, Matthew, Joshua, and Imua.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Jews for Jesus or The Sheepfold in Mike’s honor, would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be sent to the family through our web site.
Prior to graduation Mike enlisted in the U.S. Air Force from 1962-1966. He was stationed overseas as a Radio Intercept Analyst Specialist and served his country proudly. After Mike returned from his tour of activity duty, Mike was in the reserves. While involved with the reserves, he attended Long Beach City College from 1966-1967. After receiving his AA, Mike transferred to Cal State Long Beach and attended from 1967-1968.
Mike met his wife, Shirley Thompson, at Lakewood First Presbyterian Church in the spring of 1968 where he worked maintenance for the church while attending Cal State Long Beach. He arrived early to clean Shirley’s Sunday School classroom each week hoping for a chance meeting. They met and were married December, 1968 and were married for 46 years.
Mike and Shirley moved to West Los Angeles where Mike worked for the W.T. Grant Co. (Grants Department Store) from 1969-1974 as the Assistant Store Manager. Later, Mike began working for Tile World as an Assistant Store Manager in North Hollywood from 1974-1977.
Mike’s first son, Brian, was born November, 1976 and Mike moved his family from Canoga Park to Littlerock, CA., Due to his experience working as a store manager, Mike desired to open his own retail tile business. He opened his shop in Palmdale, CA in 1977 called The Tile Store catering to “Do It Yourself” tile installation customers.
While in Littlerock, Mike and his family attended Palmdale First Presbyterian Church. Mike was actively involved in the church and served on the church board, but continued to pray for a Calvary Chapel to be established in the high desert. It was at this time that Mike headed a home Bible study with very close friends. While in Littlerock, Mike was blessed with the birth of Matthew in 1978 and Katie in 1982.
Due to business setbacks and health issues in 1984, Mike moved his family to the Long Beach area where he obtained a job at the Ceramic Tile Center. A heart attack and a quadruple by-pass surgery forced Mike to retire in 1997 from the tile business due to lung complications after the surgery.
After retirement, Mike encouraged his family and neighbors through his playful interactions. Neighbors could count on hearing hello from across the street and family could count on friendly teasing. Grandsons looked forward to hugs and rides on the electric carts at Costco with grandpa. Mike loved his wife and family and was loved by others.
April 12, 2015 Mike relocated to heaven after battling COPD and congestive heart failure. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. Now he receives his eternal reward in heaven. He no longer has trouble breathing and no longer has to carry the burdens of sickness.
He is survived by his wife Shirley Metz, his brother Bob Metz, his sister Dorothy Sudberry, his sons Brian Metz and Matthew Metz, his daughter Katie Polanco, and his grandsons, Matthew, Joshua, and Imua.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Jews for Jesus or The Sheepfold in Mike’s honor, would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be sent to the family through our web site.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael Patrick Metz, please visit our flower store.