Michael (Mike) Arthur Elder

Michael (Mike) Arthur Elder Forsyth . . . Michael (Mike) Arthur Elder died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Forsyth, GA, on Saturday, May 25. He was born in Oklahoma City, OK, on January 19, 1949, to Victor B. and Audrey L. (Fulks) Elder. He grew up in Oklahoma City except for 3 years during elementary school when he lived near Tokyo, Japan, with his family. Michael's secondary education included a Bachelor's Degree from the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.; a Master's Degree in Government from the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, and a Doctor of Law from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, Norman, OK. Michael had a distinguished career with several state and Federal government agencies. A United Methodist, Mike also had a deep admiration for and interest in the philosophy of Buddhism. His passions in life included an eclectic mix of music, Thai and Mexican food, gardening, nature, birding, astronomy, lifelong friends, particularly those from Classen High School, Okla. City, Class of '67. Michael made friends everywhere he lived, worked, walked. Those who were lucky to know him always commented about his warmth, kindness, generosity, intelligence, and humor. He was loved by far more people than he could have ever realized. Those left to grieve his loss are sisters Judy Baumgarner, Oklahoma City, OK; Caroline (Glen) Nickel, Juliette, GA; brother William Elder, North Hollywood, CA; nephews Greg (Vickie) Nickel, Forsyth, GA; Brad (Karin) Nickel, Miami, FL; Ronald L. Baumgarner, Norman, OK; also, nieces Terri (Jerome) Russell, Okla. City, OK; Sherri Baumgarner-Wise, Oklahoma City; and Lea Ann (Jeff) Dozier, Weatherford, OK. He is also survived by 3 great-nieces, 6 great-nephews, 2 great-great nieces and 3 great-great nephews, in OK, FL, and GA. Additionally, Mike provided financial support for several years to a girl, Surgyan Jat, in Bangalore, India, through Christian Children's Fund. Heartbroken at his absence and missing his gentle loving care most of all are his Italian Greyhounds, Guido and Paolo, and his Chihuahua Mallory. Michael's memory could be honored by donations to these causes about which he cared deeply: Humane Society, Sierra Club, and Christian Children's Fund (ChildFund India). As Michael requested, there was no funeral, and he was cremated. Monroe County Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements. His life will be celebrated at a memorial event in June in GA. Family may be contacted at cnickel43@gmail.com. Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.