Michael J. Bakos

Michael J. “Bud” Bakos, 97, of Cambridge, passed away Friday, November 13, 2026, at Cardinal Place Assisted Living.

Michael was born May 31, 1929, in Toledo, son of the late Michael and Mary (Bezek) Bakos.

Michael enlisted in the US Naval Reserve when he was still in high school and was called to active duty during the Korean War in 1950. He was considered trained so he did not go to bootcamp and instead was assigned to the Battleship USS New Jersey BB62. During the Korean Tour he was awarded the South Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and various other rewards. Upon his discharge, he reenlisted for six more years in the US Naval Reserve. Upon this discharge, he enlisted in the Ohio Military Reserve (Army) advancing through the enlisted ranks, received an officer’s commission and was appointed as Commanding Officer of Company C, 22nd BN, 2nd Infantry Regiment Ohio Defense Corps in Cambridge, Ohio. He was proud to have served in the U.S. military for most of his life. He was an original member of the Guernsey County Underwater Rescue Unit.

He was also a lifetime member of the VFW 2901, Elks 448, a member of the Eagles 386. While being a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, he served on the church council in charge of property and cemetery and was an usher. He was also a member of the USS New Jersey BB62 Veterans Inc., a charter member of the Lore City VFD, the Guernsey County Democrat Club, and the Lore City Alumni Association. 

In 1989, Michael retired from the United States Postal Service after being a letter carrier for 30 years. He loved metal detecting, collecting Civil War relics and rock collecting, especially in the mountains of the south. He held a real estate salesman license for over 50 years, originating with Cecil Bonnell- Broker.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Jean (Anker) Bakos, whom he married June 27, 1951, and who passed April 30, 2009; his daughter, Cheryl Forman; and his grandson, Isaac Forman.

He is survived by his son, Jim (Paula) Bakos of Byesville; his grandchildren, Chris (Julie) Bakos of Metamora, Illinois, Matt (Nicole) Bakos of Bellbrook, and Ethan (Heather) Forman of Cambridge; his great- grandchildren, Tony, Nick, Braeden, Peyton, Ella, Josie, Silas, Eli, Ezra, and Archer; his son- in- law, Dave Forman of Cambridge; and his granddaughter- in- law, Christi Forman of Virginia; along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place at Thorn- Black Funeral Home Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 6PM to 8PM and the mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 11AM at Christ Our Light Parish. Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Michael’s name to the Guernsey County Cancer Society 1225 Woodlawn Ave Suite 110 Cambridge, Ohio 43725 or St. Benedict School, 701 Gomber Ave Cambridge, Ohio 43725.