Michael J. Paden, age 66, of Westerville, Ohio died June 19, 2020 at his residence following an extended illness.  He was born on May 10, 1954 in Wilmington, Delaware, the son of the late Thomas and Frances Paden.  On May 4, 2001 he married Betty Carol McVicker in Cambridge, Ohio.  Together they shared 19 years of marriage.  Mike is survived by his wife, BC; step-daughter, Sarah McVicker; Marjorie MacPherson and family; Diane and Jamie Howe; and many friends and co-workers.  Mike spent his life in service to others through his police work & firefighting, having saved many lives during both careers.  He retired as Deputy Chief of Protective Services at Ohio Health.  Mike was a former Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Office Detective, Homicide and Violent Crimes Unit and he also attended New Mexico Tech incident response school & Allegheny County Police Training Academy.  Mike was a volunteer firefighter for Wintersville, Ohio Fire Department and held a Level 1 firefighter certification.  He was a volunteer of the citizens’ police academy in Grove City, Ohio.  Mike was instrumental in solving many crimes during his career and received many awards for his work.  He was an avid animal lover and especially loved his many rescued cats throughout the years.  He was a kind and generous soul, Michael will be greatly missed and forever remembered.  Memorial contributions can be made to Homeless To Home Animal Rescue and Cat Sanctuary, 1745 Marion Waldo Road, Marion, Ohio 43302 and at https://www.homelesstohome.com

Please visit www.OhioCremation.org to leave an online condolence.