William Michael Widner, age 69, of Alpena, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2013, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born May 6, 1943, at Burlington, Arkansas, the son of Claud and Virgie (Youngblood) Widner.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Elva Marie Clampitt.

Bro. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Ella Faye (Bailey) Widner, of the home; his daughter and son-in-law, Karen Michele and Terry Ward, of Claremore, Oklahoma; his son and daughter-in-law, Scott Michael and Kim Widner, of Alpena; nine grandchildren, Ezekiel Ward of Claremore, Joshua Ward of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Lydia Ward and Hannah Ward of Claremore and Lauren Widner, Stephen Widner, Jonathan Widner, Moriah Widner and Caleb Widner, all of Alpena; his sister and brother-in-law, Lillie Mae and Carroll Seals, of Cottage Grove, Oregon; three nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Mike loved his Lord Jesus Christ most of all and sharing the Gospel of Christ. On April 27, 1969, he professed his faith in Christ and was saved. In September 1971, he surrendered his life to preach the Gospel. He pastored at Pyatt Baptist Church, Osage Baptist Church, Tomahawk Baptist Church, Rudd Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, Alpena Baptist Church and was a member of Bear Creek Springs Baptist Church. Wherever he pastored, Bro. Mike saw to it that any child could go to church camp and was always excited to be a part of Vacation Bible School. Mike's heart's desire was to see all people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to grow in their walk with Christ.

Mike loved his wife of 50 years, Ella Faye, whom he married June 22, 1962. From this he poured his love into his children and grandchildren. With Mike's love and service for his God, he changed the lineage for his whole family.

Mike loved his farm. After working for Duncan Industries for 40 plus years, he got to spend more time watching over his cattle and attending bull sales.

Bro. Mike was loved by his family and many dear friends. He was a spiritual warrior to the end!

Funeral service is 2:00 PM, Monday, August 8, 2013, at Bear Creek Springs Baptist Church, with Bro. Mark Enloe officiating. Visitation is 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Sunday, April 7, 2013, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

Interment will be in Alpena Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Eddie Pillow, Don Arnold, Caleb Widner, Ezekiel Ward, Joshua Ward, Stephen Widner, Jonathan Widner and Joe Ellis. Honorary pallbearers are the Berean Sunday School Class and Adult Discipleship Training Class of Bear Creek Springs Baptist Church.