Michael V. Raisor

Michael Vernon Raisor, 78, passed away at his home on March 5, 2022.  Mike was born in Lafayette on May 30, 1943, to the late John and Helen Raisor.  He was raised on his family’s dairy farm for the first 17 years of his life.  Mike was a 1961 graduate of Southwestern High School.

Life truly began for Mike in 1964, when he met the love of his life, Marcia Kay Leill.  It was love at first sight for both and they married on November 14, 1964.  They had three wonderful children:  son Michael Richard, son Bret Alan, and daughter Kristen Elaine.

Mike loved cars and everything about them.  He worked on them as a young boy and later went into automobile sales and management.  He then went into ownership and founded the Mike Raisor Automotive Group.  He acquired 16 franchises and 8 dealerships, the first one being the 1986 acquisition of Pontiac – Isuzu.  He graduated from the General Motors University of Automotive Management in 1984 and was a 1988 graduate of the Wharton School of Management at the University of Pennsylvania.  Mike retired in 2021, after 55 successful years in the automotive industry.

As a local businessman, Mike was always generous and civic minded.  He believed in giving back, especially to benefit children in need.  He and Marcia were loyal Purdue Athletics fans and supporters and longtime members of the John Purdue Club.

Mike was a passionate racer.  He loved snowmobiling, fishing, NASCAR races, motor coaching, and boating. His greatest joy, though, was his family; he loved them with all his heart and was the most wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.  He built a lifetime of beautiful memories with them.

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved son, Michael Richard, as well as his parents, John and Helen Raisor, and siblings Jack Raisor and Marge (Paul) Pullen.

In addition to his lifelong love, Marcia, survivors include daughter Kristen (Heath) Jones; son Bret (Christine) Raisor; and grandchildren Cole (fiancee’ Madison Korn) and Christian Jones, and Tyler and Hannah Raisor.  Mike is also survived by siblings George (Frances) Raisor and Dianne (Jan) Royer, as well as sister-in-law Marilyn Raisor, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Mike bravely fought his cancer battle for more than 3 years.  He was very strong and never complained and never gave up.  To honor his memory, please consider a contribution to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 11, from 3-7 pm at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Boulevard, Lafayette.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 12, at 11 am, at Central Presbyterian Church, 31 N. 7th Street, Lafayette.  A private family burial will follow.