David Michael "Mike" True, 65, of Hazleton, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2016, at Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville after a long, hard-fought illness.

He was born to Mary Lou (Brown) and John Dee True in Evansville on May 31, 1950. Shortly after his birth, his mother passed and he was raised by his grandparents, John and Mary White.

Mike attended Bosse High School in Evansville before joining the U.S. Army where he was stationed in both Vietnam and Korea. After leaving the service, he moved to Detroit, Mich. where he joined the police force working as a K-9 officer and sharpshooter for a short time.

He returned home to Evansville where he trained and became an over the road truck driver, a career that would provide for his family for more than 29 years, serving most of that time with N&S Trucking in Oakland City. Mike drove all over the United States in his 18-wheeler and won numerous safety awards. He was known to his truck driving buddies as "Fat Cat".

Mike was a member of both the White River-Hazleton and Union Volunteer Fire Departments where he drove trucks, ran the pumps and helped where ever he could lend a hand. He also earned his first responder's license during his time with the departments.

His pride and joy and the lights of his life were his two children and then later in life his three grandchildren. Mike enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, listening to classic country music and watching old western movies. He was a John Wayne fanatic!

Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents, step-mother Julia True, step-brother Denny Scales and brother-in-law and long-time friend Ronald Russell.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Judy; son John (Melissa) True of Bruceville; daughter Maggie (Randy) Armstrong of Hazleton; sister Chris Russell of Evansville; half-sister Roxanne Ely of Northville, Mich.; three grandchildren, Isaac, Caleb and Ella True; and several cousins, nieces and nephews including a very special niece he considered a daughter, Dessi Waple. He also leaves behind his furry best friend and shadow, Lily.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with Pastor Mark Nielson officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 until 6 p.m. at the Colvin Funeral Home.