Michael Anthony Ondera

On November 26, 2023, Rev. Michael Anthony Ondera stepped into Glory, meeting his Savior face to face. Michael fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith. He was born September 18, 1948, in Portsmouth, Ohio to Marjorie and Andrew Ondera. Michael, the third of nine children, grew up in Jackson, Ohio. He always recounted fondly his childhood - growing up on a farm and in a small town with his wonderful parents, sister, and brothers. He graduated from Jackson High School, where he showcased his beautiful baritone voice in multiple musical productions. After graduating high school, Michael attended Ohio University before leaving to join the Army. He bravely served his country in the military for more than 21 years, serving in both Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. He won numerous medals, awards, and commendations throughout his service. Michael was a graduate of Columbia Bible College (CIU). He served the Lord in many different roles and ministries throughout his life, including as a minister, teacher, deacon, chaplain, and vocalist. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Columbia. Most importantly, Michael was the head of his family and their spiritual leader. He was deeply loved and respected by his family, who are all so proud of him. Michael was always known for his amazing personality. He was funny, brilliant, athletic, handsome, and witty – people were always drawn to him. After returning from Vietnam, he met his beloved Susan at work at Fort Gordon. Michael was smitten with Susan right away, and made excuses to come down to her office at the other end of the building. He charmed all her coworkers and friends, and eventually Susan as well. They married in 1970 in Augusta, Georgia, and built a beautiful life and family. Michael loved the Lord, his family, and his friends – and he loved big. In addition to his wife, he was always the sweetest daddy to his two daughters – doting, loving, and actively involved in their lives. He could always be counted on to give loving, Godly advice, a non-judgmental listening ear, and the best big, warm hugs. He seemed bigger than life in many ways and always knew the answer to even the most obscure question. When his beloved granddaughter was born, he was instantly smitten with her as well. He loved being her Papaw and was a perfect grandfather. Michael was a voracious reader with a huge library. He never stopped reading and learning, especially about the Lord. Throughout his life he continued to study the Bible, researching original texts and meanings in Greek and Hebrew and writing lessons to share his knowledge with others in a tangible way. Even as his body grew very ill, he continued to study God’s Word daily. Throughout his extended illness, he always kept a positive, upbeat attitude. He could be counted on to crack a joke or witty remark no matter how he felt. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Susan, daughters Tracie Ondera and Elisabeth Ondera Graham, son-in-law Bothwell Graham IV, granddaughter Baeotta Ondera Graham, sister Mary Anderson, brothers David (Linda), Daniel (Rebecca), Robert (Pamela), Paul (Pamela), Christopher (Sharon), and Jonathon (Beverly) Ondera, sister-in-law Rosemary Wilk, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother Gregory Ondera, and brothers-in-law Eric Anderson and Gene Wilk. To honor Michael’s memory and how much he meant to his family and those who loved him, a Visitation will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Temples-Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, S.C. 29212, followed immediately by a memorial service and burial beginning at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Michael requested that donations be made to a ministry close to his heart, the Food Pantry at the Lower Lights Community Church, 1066 Bellows Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43223, or online at www.lowerlightschurch.org/give. Please note on your gift that the donation is for the “Food Pantry.” “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6.