John R. Males, 76 years old, passed away on February 2, 2023 following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Manistique on May 27, 1946 to the late Raymond and Ione Males, and graduated from Manistique High School in 1964.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Michigan University in 1968 and a Master of Science degree from Central Michigan University. John taught in Rock and Millington and also as an adjunct instructor at Bay College. He served as high school principal in Manistique and Gladstone and as superintendent of the Rapid River Public Schools.  He served as superintendent of the Bad Axe Public Schools from 1991 through 2002. Following his retirement after 31 years in education, he accepted the position of County Administrator for Sanilac County. He served in that position from 2003 through 2011. He was used frequently as an educational consultant for the Michigan Association of School Boards and Hartman Consulting. He served as the chief negotiator for many public sector contracts at the State of Michigan.  

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ione and Raymond Males and daughter, Kristen Elizabeth Males Carl and brother, Kenneth.  He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years and partner, Melissa Males, as well as his daughter, Dyana (Brad) Gebauer, and three grandsons, Landen John Carl, Lucas and Brayden Gebauer.  

At John’s request there will be no service, but a visitation will be held at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe on Thursday, February 9th from 4pm-7pm.  Memorial contributions may be given to the Eva Burrell Animal Shelter in Manistique, Michigan at upebas.org/donate. 

Condolences may be shared with the family at macalpinefuneralhome.com