Lawrence Michael Honaker
March 23, 1951 ~ May 24, 2023
Lawrence Michael Honaker, 72, of Oakton, Virginia passed away on May 24th, 2023, after complications from a heart procedure.
Michael, “Mike”, was born on March 23rd, 1951, to Chester and Carol Honaker in Lebanon, Virginia. After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in 1969, Mike went on to graduate with his PhD from the University of Alabama.
Mike had a successful career leading up to becoming the Deputy CEO of the American Psychological Association, a position he was honored to hold for nearly 25 years.
In 1979, Mike married Debi Blaxton and had two children, Robert (1982) and Laura (1984).
After retiring in 2015, Mike spent his time working on home improvements, a shed he was deeply proud of, playing his favorite computer game, Final Fantasy 14, and loving on his grandchildren and granddog.
Mike was predeceased by his father, Chester, and his brother, Steve. Mike is survived by his mother, Carol, his loving wife, Debi, his son, Robert (Elizabeth), his daughter Laura, his three grandchildren, Declyn, Rylinn, and Kadyn, and granddog, Beau.
There will be a family-led service for Mike on June 2nd, 2023, at 12pm at the Money & King Funeral Home, located at 171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180. Learn more about Mike on Money & King’s website.
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Dearest Mike,
You are a timeless voice of reason. I truly enjoyed your company and sharing 3 beautiful grandchildren with you and Debbie. Thank you for your son because without him that wouldn’t have been possible. I am certain we will meet again. Congratulations on a life well lived with many accomplishments to set the example for our young ones. Sincere condolences to everyone. Fondly
Denise
Condolences and pictures from The Queen Mother Carol Honaker.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Mike had an amazing ability to spread joy and laughter throughout the workplace. His playful spirit was contagious, and his kindness….untouchable. An extraordinary, unforgettable human who touched the lives of so many, including mine. ~ Carol Hall, APA
Mike was one of the kindest and most considerate leaders I ever worked for. He left a profound mark on APA for the interest of treating people right. May your smile continue to live in our minds, your kindness forever be in our hearts, and your Shed stand forever. You are already missed but you will not be forgotten.
Thanks for being part of my journey and always being a willing participant.
Sincerely,
Ricky & Dawn Washington
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Keeping Michael and your family in our prayers. God bless you all.
John, Michelle, Holland & Farren Cogan
Mike with mother Carol Honaker and Brother Steve.
Michael with family in Alabama 2020.
I will echo many who will remember Mike for his kindness, his ready and genuine smile for any and everyone, and his true generosity of spirit. It was an honor to work for the organization that he helped to helm for so long.
My sincere condolences to his family and to the many fortunate enough to considered him a friend.
–Cyndy Nixon, APA
Mike welcomed me on day one, and showed me what humble leadership looked like. He brought out the best in people by trusting them. He is gone too soon and will be missed greatly. My most heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.
Mike and I shared about the same amount of time at the APA. He was a pleasure to know and work with and to see how he treated and worked with everyone. He was a compassionate and steadfast presence when needed , and a fun person to be around as well. A great supporter of staff and their well being. God bless you Mike! My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
I too will echo what many others have shared. Mike was truly one in a million. I loved working at APA because he made it a better place to work, with the compassion he showed staff and his witty humor. He was a quiet leader who welcomed me to APA in 2010. I’ll never forgot walking into his office for the first time…I had never seen so many dragons! I’ll hold all the knowledge and wisdom I learned from Mike and carry that with me to share with others as he did. I’ll miss you Mike, and thank you for your dedication and passion for the profession and specifically the APA staff.
As Deputy CEO at APA, Mike had many many hats. He was largely responsible for making sure the organization ran smoothly. For many years he worked with the CEO and Board to advance APA’s mission, and he represented the best of psychology to the members and the larger world. He made psychology look good. Inside APA he also represented those of us who worked there, helped make sure staff voices were heard, and helped to make sure staff got what they needed. A lot of what he did for staff was visible to all of us, but I know he also worked behind the scenes for many. He did a lot for psychology and APA, and he did a tremendous amount for staff and supporting the people who worked there. I am very grateful to have been able to work with him, and I know there are many who feel the same. Rest in peace, Mike – you are very much missed. Leslie Cameron
Dear Loved Ones of Mike:
In a word, Mike was a mensch. One of the things about him that stands out is that he made everyone feel valued and important. I met Mike when I first got involved in APA in the early 90s and instantly was impressed that someone of his character was in a leadership position in the organization. When I came to work at APA in 2006, Mike was incredibly welcoming.
Since I am currently in New Mexico I am unable to be at today’s memorial, but Mike and those who love him are very much in my thoughts.
Dan Abrahamson
With deep regret.
M. Eileen Beiler, Psy.D.
August 1985, FIT
My condolences to Debi & Mike’s two adult children, whom I know he loved so much.
I was a graduate student at FIT and learned so many things from Mike ( Dr. Honaker) about life & our profession.
I stayed in touch with him throughout the years & he was a source of support. My heartfelt wishes for you as he will be missed by so many. You have a wonderful family.
Dr. Stacy Daughn