of Conway, AR
March 24, 1949 - May 31, 2019
Michael ''Mike'' Edward Aeilts, 70, of Conway, AR, went to be with the Lord Friday, May 31, 2019. He was born March 24, 1949, in Stuttgart, AR to Harry and Vernell (Johnson) Aeilts. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Harry Aeilts; paternal grandparents, Dirk and Amke Aeilts; and maternal grandparents, Sam and Delma Johnson.
Mike was a of the Methodist faith. He devoted his life to his family. Mike was a Helicopter Crew Chief door gunner in the Army during the Vietnam War. He received many medals to include the Presidential Unit Citation, Distinguished Flying Cross, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. His most prized medal he was most proud of was the Distinguished Flying Cross. Mike also obtained his bachelor's degree and became a shop teacher at Oak Grove High School. In his free time, Mike enjoyed hunting and working on cars and motorcycles. Mike was known for his storytelling, particularly his stories about his hunting adventures. Mike was loved very much by his friends, family and students who will dearly miss his honest eyes, strong spirited nature and guidance.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving family; his wife of 47 years, Mary Ann (Flannery) Aeilts; his mother, Vernell (Johnson) Aeilts both of Conway; his sons, Michael Frederick Aeilts and Benjamin James Aeilts both of Conway; his daughter, Stephanie Ann Strain (Jay) of Quitman; his grandchildren, Cody James Strain and Jasper Dirk Strain both of Quitman; his sister, Teresa Fortner (Jim) of North Little Rock; his brother-in-law, Jim Flannery (Sheri) of Rison; a host of nieces and nephews and his brothers and sisters of the Patriot Guard.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00pm, Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Funeral service will be 10:00am, Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at Roller-McNutt with interment to follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway.
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32 Condolence(s)
Robert and Tanya Downey
Thursday, June 6, 2019
So sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers for your family. We enjoyed being neighbors to all of you on Conway Blvd.
Roy and Carol Chinn
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Dear Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss and our loss as well, for we loved Mike too. From age 12 to 14 we were in separable buddies. We rode our bikes everywhere together. We were Boy Scouts together, we hunted together, we got in trouble together and we were best friends. Carols and I move many times in the next years but eventually returned to AR. And found Mike. But I no more than found Mike than lose Mike.
I’m so proud I the man he became. I’ll miss my friend.
We are so sorry for your loss. We are out of the country and could not get back in time for the funeral. Our hearts are with you.
Roy and Carol Chinn
SARAH ARNOLD
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Papa Aeilts you will be so missed. Love you!
Judy Dickerson Parker
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Who knew 64 years ago that we would still be friends? Mike, you have left a wonderful legacy every where you have been. I am so glad that Cat, you and I met that day for lunch to form the Old Birds Lunch group. What a joy that has been for all of us Old Birds. We will miss you both at the next lunch, but you WILL be remembered. Save a seat for me in Heaven, I am sure I will be on the same pew with you while Cat is singing in the choir.
Love you Bro AND THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE!
Judy
Jonathan shelley
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Mike Buchan
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
I really enjoyed working with Mike for so many years and sharing all the memories we made at deer camp. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly.
Robert and Jolinda Bryant
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
I read with sadness that Mike had passed away. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Will be praying for you and your family in the days ahead.
Don Sloat
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
It is an honor and privilege to have know this man, he will be forever in my thoughts. I just wish I had meet him earlier and known him longer. Anything I can do for the family please let me know.
Larry Hendricks
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Farewell my friend and brother,no more night mares my brother,just peace. All Veteran will miss you my friend.God Bless your family.
Lulu Thompson
Monday, June 3, 2019
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Mrs.Thompson 5th grade teacher Sallie Cone
Jan (Krisell) Whisenhunt
Monday, June 3, 2019
Mary Ann and family, Mike was a dear friend of mine years ago. As we reconnected through FB I saw just how many people he had touched throughout his life. He truly was a great man. Prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
Linda J Roebbeke Derden
Monday, June 3, 2019
So sorry to hear of Mike`s passing. We grew up together, and later taught in PCSSD. My sympathy to his wife, mother, children and other family
Brenda Levey
Monday, June 3, 2019
I will miss you my friend. Love to your family.
Cheryl Lyons
Monday, June 3, 2019
Mary Ann, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Carl Norris
Monday, June 3, 2019
I had the honor to serve with Mike in Vietnam. No finer soldier or friend ever existed. Mike was a brother and will be missed. Rest in Peace....
CeCe Boyd Blackwell
Monday, June 3, 2019
Mary Ann , remembering Mike fondly from High School. I will be keeping you and your family in prayer .
Gary Karr
Monday, June 3, 2019
My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Bob Barham
Monday, June 3, 2019
Stephanie, BJ, and family:
So sorry to hear about your father's passing. Please know that I will be thinking about you all and praying for comfort and healing in the difficult days ahead. God Bless.
Bob
Gena (Mann) Bumpas
Monday, June 3, 2019
What a wonderful teacher he was to so many, even if you were not in his class. He was an an individual. He always welcomed you no matter what. He will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers go to his family during this difficult time. Thank you Mr. Aeilts for always being there for us.
Mark Brandt. PGR
Monday, June 3, 2019
Mike was a great American who served his country in Vietnam. I enjoyed time spent with Mike while serving with him on PGR missions. Rest in peace my friend.
Dennis Morales
Monday, June 3, 2019
I had the honor of flying with Mike in Vietnam and was the bravest guy I knew. Never had an easy mission, never refused one. I see his attitude never changed once he got he. Gonna miss you brother.
Martha Hill
Sunday, June 2, 2019
So sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Gary Partlow Chaplin VFW Post 4548
Sunday, June 2, 2019
My prayers are for God's love and comfort for your family. Please contact me if you like 501-912-3156
Crystal Ragland
Sunday, June 2, 2019
You will truly be missed. I'll miss the random messages and the pop up visits when you would come theough town...he sure loved Daisy Queens cheeseburgers. What a great man you were. Now you're up there with our Lord tellin the angels stories! Until we meet again!
Derek Spradlin
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Kevin Stephens
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Thank you HERO for serving our great nation. You served proudly. I’m glad I got to meet you. Ride forever in the wind my military brother and fellow Patriot Guard Rider.
Kay Blanton
Sunday, June 2, 2019
You were a great teacher and friend to all the kids even those not in your class you will be missed greatly Rest In Peace.
Katherine Chambers
Sunday, June 2, 2019
I have no words that adequately describe my sorrow at the news of Mike’s passing. He was in a league of his own. I will never forget his humor and his kindness.
Mallory Keane
Sunday, June 2, 2019
You left a lasting impact on everyone you ever came in contact with!!! Thank you for being a great teacher, mentor, and father to so many!!
Brandy Loyd
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Mike was the best mentor a young teacher could have the opportunity to know. He wasn’t just a good teacher though, he was a father to the father less and a friend when someone was all alone. He saved me with his advice when my whole world turned upside down just like he did for so many kids at Oak Grove. He told me to never settle for a man that doesn’t love me completely and then he hugged me. I will never forget that day. I think about him often even though I didn’t get to see him very much after he retired.
Matt Sawyer
Sunday, June 2, 2019
You will be missed thank you for being a great teacher and friend rip
Bob Moore
Sunday, June 2, 2019
One of the finest men and teachers I ever worked with. I dearly loved this man. He was a great American who served his country in Vietnam. Rest in peace my friend. You deserve it. Don't ever remember a teacher who loved his students, and had their love in return more than Mike did.