Michael A. Meckstroth (69) of rural New Knoxville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2023 at Kobacker House in Columbus. He was born July 29, 1954 in Lima, Ohio to William A. and Glenna M. (Davenport) Meckstroth, both of whom preceded him in death.

Surviving are siblings: Steven Meckstroth and Nancy Meckstroth, both of New Knoxville; nephew, Brian Humphreys of Xenia; niece, Heather (Todd) Riddick of Wapakoneta and their daughter, Lenna Riddick. Surviving also are his chosen family: Jeremy (Marlia Douglas) Buschur of Celina; Terry (Gina, dec.) Sopp of Columbus; and a number of men who look up to him as a father figure. He was preceded in death by a foster brother, Robert Ralston.

Mike was raised working in the family farm machinery business, Meckstroth Farm Service. He graduated from Wapakoneta High School in 1972, then studied at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO, earning a bachelor's degree in ministries in 1976. After continuing to help with the family business until 1982, he studied at The Ohio State University, earning a bachelor's in aviation in 1985 and a master's in counseling education in 1987. He was unable to complete a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy/family studies after the death of his academic advisor.

Following his education at Ohio State, he worked with Covenant Ministry Services in Lima. He was then employed at Shelby County Counseling (Sidney), specializing in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and The Counseling Source (Cincinnati), where he provided mental health services in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Mike enjoyed a lifelong passion for music. He was a member of the Men's Glee Club at Ohio State for 12 years. He was proud to have performed at the 1990 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, UK at which the Glee Club was awarded "Choir of the World." During his years after Ohio State he continued to sing with the OSU Men's Glee Club Alumni Society and the Lima Symphony Chorus.

In collaboration with his mother, Mike's input was essential in the publication of three books, "Tales From Great-Grandpa's Trunk, A Lighthearted Look at Rural Life," "Surviving World War II, Tales of Ordinary People in Extraordinary Times," and "Giggle and Grins." He volunteered for over a decade representing the Gideons in the Auglaize County Jail, many of those years accompanying his father and mother. As a youth he was active in 4-H, winning the state 4-H Electrical Award and was an adult chaperone for state 4-H Congress.

The family will receive friends Sunday, August 6 from 1pm until the celebration of Mike's life at 3pm, all at Eley Funeral Home, S.R. 501, Wapakoneta. His dear friend Rev. Terry Sopp will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Pilger Ruhe Cemetery near New Knoxville.

Condolences may be expressed at eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.