Mike graduated from Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati in 1971, and then attended the Ohio College of Applied Science for one year. He then applied to become an apprentice electrician, and was accepted into the apprenticeship program of Local Union 212, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He started working for Mayers Electric Company on September 26, 1972, and has been employed by that company continuously to the present. He completed his apprenticeship in 1976, receiving certification from L.U. 212 as a Journeyman Electrician. He has worked on numerous projects, including in recent years the Great American Ball Park and Cincinnati Convention Center.
Mike and Brenda Keesee were married on August 1, 1983. He has two children, Robert and Sarah, from a previous marriage. Robert served as Worshipful Master of Golden Rule Lodge #345 in Covington, Kentucky, in 2009.
Mike and Brenda are residents of Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of North Bend United Methodist Church in North Bend, Ohio, where he has served as a Trustee, has been a member of the Administrative Board, and served as Board Chairman. Brenda was active for many years with the choir, participating in the “Living Christmas Tree” program for over ten years, and has been President of the U.M.W.
Most Worshipful Brother Himes was initiated in the Order of DeMolay in August, 1967, at E. T. Carson Chapter. He dimitted to Oak Hills Chapter in 1969, progressed through the line and served as Master Councilor in 1972. He served as Dad Advisor of Oak Hills Chapter, Ritual Advisor for the 7th DeMolay District, and as Deputy of the Seventh District in 1982. He received the Degree of Chevalier in 1972, the Cross of Honor in 1978, and the Active Legion of Honor in 1991. He has served on the State Legion of Honor Conferral Team, and as a Trustee of the Ohio DeMolay Scholarship Foundation.
Most Worshipful Brother Himes was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on January 24, 1975, at E. T. Carson Lodge #598, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He dimitted to North Bend Lodge #346 in Cleves, Ohio in January, 1977, and was subsequently elected as Senior Deacon. He progressed through the line and served as Worshipful Master in 1981. He has served the Lodge as Trustee, Chaplain, and Lodge Education Officer, and as Funeral Chaplain. He was appointed to the line of the First Masonic District Officers Association in 1981, and served as President in 1988. He was elected a Trustee in 1989, 1990, and from 1994 to 1999. He received the Mason of the Year Award from the First District in 1996. He was appointed to the line of the Society of Past Masters in 1985, and served as President in 1990, followed by three years as Trustee. He received the President’s Award in 1984 and the Outstanding Past Master Award in 1996. He is also a plural member of Golden Rule Lodge #345 in Covington, Kentucky, and holds several honorary memberships in lodges around the state.
Excellent Companion Himes received the Mark Master Degree on April 24, 1980, at North Bend Mark Lodge #1, where he served as Right Worshipful Master in 1983-1984. He is also a member of Senior DeMolay Mark Lodge #2. He received the Royal Arch Degree on March 26, 1983, at Price Hill Chapter #164, and served as High Priest in 1993-1994. He also served as Grand Representative to Florida from 1998 to 2002.
Illustrious Companion Himes was initiated in Cincinnati Council #1 on April 8, 1983. He is a plural member of Hubert O. Auburn Council #149, where he served as Illustrious Master in 2003-2004.
Sir Knight Himes was knighted in Cincinnati Commandery #3 on April 2, 1992, where he served as Eminent Commander in 1997-1998, and also served as Treasurer from 1999 to 2003. He received the Knight Commander of the Temple in October, 2004.
Illustrious Brother Himes was a member of the Fall Class, 1976, of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Cincinnati. He was appointed to the line of Dalcho Council, Princes of Jerusalem, in 1989, and served as Sovereign Prince in 1997-1999, also serving at the same time as Trustee. He received the 33rd Degree on September 28, 1999, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He has also served as a member of the Ring Service Committee, and has received the Brown Membership Jewel.
Noble Himes was initiated in Syrian Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., in 1978, and immediately became a member of the Ceremonial Cast, where he served as Assistant Director from 1989 to 1991, and as Director from 1991 to 1998. He was also a member of the Past Master’s Club, and a recipient of the Melish Jewel for membership.
Brother Himes was initiated in Cleves Chapter #295, Order of the Eastern Star, on June 4, 1983, and served as Worthy Patron in 1988, 1992, 1994, and 1995. He served as a Trustee of the Masonic Eastern Star Community from 2000 to 2002. He is now a member of Marvin Chapter #376.
Knight Companion Himes was initiated in St. Columba Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, on November 2, 1992, and is a Past Puissant Sovereign.
Brother Himes was initiated as a charter member of Jacques DeMolay Council #371, Allied Masonic Degrees, on May 13, 1999, and served as Secretary-Treasurer from that date until December, 2005.
Companion Knight Himes was initiated in Miami Valley College #193, York Rite College, in 2001, and served as Governor in 2008-2009.
Brother Himes was received as a Knight of the York Cross of Honor in Cincinnati, Ohio, in November, 2004. He was received as a Knight York Grand Cross of Honor in 2007.
Most Worshipful Brother Himes served the Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Master of the First Masonic District in 1991, 1992, and 1993. He served as an appointed member of the Grand Lodge Education Committee from 1995 to 1999.
In October, 1999, Most Worshipful Brother Himes was appointed Junior Grand Deacon by Most Worshipful Brother Ronald R. Rogers. He was subsequently appointed Senior Grand Deacon, Grand Marshal, and Grand Orator. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 2003, Senior Grand Warden in 2004, and Deputy Grand Master in 2005. On October 21, 2006, he was installed as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio.