Michael L. French, age 62 of Foristell, MO and formerly of Elwood, died on July 2, 2014 at his residence in Foristell following an extended illness. He was born on March 21, 1952 in Elwood, the son of Robert and Maxie (Tinker) French. Mike worked in the Stamping Department of Guide Lamp Division of General Motors in Anderson for over 33 years, and retired in 2006. He was a 1971 graduate of Elwood Community High School, and later served his country in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. He married Carolyn S. Cloud on February 21, 1997. Mike was a member of the U.A.W. #662, life member of the Elwood V.F.W. #5782, and the former Elwood Eagles Lodge. He enjoyed motorcycles, fishing, guns, 4-wheeling, and was well-known for helping other. Mike will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Mike's family includes wife, Carolyn S. French of Foristell; mother, Maxie French of Anderson; son, Michael (Tessa) French of Orestes; step-son, Michael (Shelly) Israel of Elwood; step-daughter, Tonya (Brent) Blackwell of Florida; 2 sisters, Cheryl (Bobby) Huff of Hartford City and Jane Litaker of Anderson; 10 grandchildren, Katie French, Audrey French, Hannah French, Chloe French, Christina Sisson, Thomas Israel, Trevor Israel, Chelsea Blackwell, Addison Blackwell, and Kinitty Blackwell; 3 sisters-in-law, Becky (Tony) Haneline, Linda Jones, and Jackie Brown; 10 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his father.

A funeral celebrating Mike's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rich Leavell officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Elwood V.F.W. and U.S. Military. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home