COLUMBUS
Michael Lewis Arford peacefully passed away September 1, 2017, under the care of Hospice of South Central Indiana at Four Seasons Health Center, surrounded by his family.
Michael was born May 3, 1939, in New Castle, Indiana, to Albert Harold and Marjorie Louise Orner (Burk) Arford. He graduated from Mt. Summit High School, where he played baseball and basketball. He was a graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor of Arts and Masters’ of Arts degrees in Business Education and was a member of Delta Pi Epsilon Business Fraternity.
He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1958 to 1963, which molded the rest of his life. During his tour of duty, he was stationed at many foreign sites around the world, as well as his prized duty afloat.
He taught at Chrysler High School in New Castle, Indiana, until 1972 when he joined the Indiana State Police. He served with the State Police from 1972 through 1993, serving as Master Trooper as well as Investigator IV.
His passion for photography as a hobby turned into his final career as photographer owner of Michael Arford Photography. He studied with the most renowned photographers all across the U.S., honing his skills, delivering excellence in family, children and wedding photography throughout Central and Southern Indiana.
Michael was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, former member of the American Legion and Elk’s Club. He was an avid fisherman, loved shooting sports and the outdoors. He shared these loves with his extended family, sharing his many secrets of the great catch. His greatest pleasure was attending the many events of his 3 grandsons, which he captured with his trusty camera.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Hogg officiating. Calling will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with honors provided by the Indiana State Police. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors provided by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard and the Indiana State Police.
Michael is survived by his wife of 26 years, Cheryl; daughters: Gisele (Troy) Coffman of Columbus, Nicole (Brian) Sturgill of Seymour Kathy (Harry Patel) Arford of Chicago, and Susan Arford of Indianapolis; grandsons: Alexander and Zachary Sturgill, Christopher (Cass Claeys) Coffman of North Carolina; great-grandson: Carter Coffman; brother: Tony (Bunny) Arford Atlanta, GA; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and Gus and Sassy, his loyal furry companions.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold Ivan (Hank) Arford; and his son, Timothy Arford.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or American Cancer Society for prostate cancer research.
