Michael Relfe

Surrounded by his loving family Michael W. Relfe 84, Fairmount, passed away peacefully September 1, 2025.

He was born February 25, 1941 to Wayne L. and Doris Leach Relfe. Mike graduated from Gaston High School in 1959, and enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the 503rd Airborne Division receiving an honorable discharge in 1962. He married Connie Shane October 3, 1965.

After spending much of his childhood in the Fairmount area, Mike's family moved to Gaston where his competitive spirit and natural athletic abilities were showcased. The six foot "Southpaw" was a standout on the basketball court, setting many school, as well as, several county shooting records.

Trucking was in his blood. A third-generation trucker he loved the freedom of the open road and in 1968 he started, and became owner operator of M.W. Relfe Trucking. Over the years, "Popeye" witnessed countless awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets, his eighteen-wheeler guided by the bright harvest moon and a million stars.

Always an animal lover, Mike's dogs were his constant companions and every pickup truck affectionately became known as the "dog-mobile!" Nellie, behind the steering wheel and Kizzie, the passenger, would wait patiently while Mike sat in the Outpost catching up on local gossip, or starting some!!

He was a member of the Percheron Draft Horse Association. Ever the competitor, Mike was eager to face off against his biggest rivals in the draft horse show ring, Century Farm Percherons were a family affair. Show horses, along with their harness, wagon, and so much more would be loaded and the caravan would head to the fairs. However, the muffled, soothing sounds of plodding hooves and steel blades of the horse drawn plow turning over the earth, on the 100-year-old family farm, surpassed any trophy.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years Connie Shane Relfe, their children and grandchildren. Son Chad M. (Lisa) Relfe, daughter Cami M. Relfe, granddaughter Alyssa L. Relfe, Fairmount and grandson Tanner C. (Shonna) Relfe and great-grandsons, Kaiden, Abel and Gideon all of Suffolk, VA.

Mike is survived by his sister Betsy Huber, Lancaster, KY; Joanne (David) Murphy, Anderson, IN; sisters-in-law Becky (Terry) Ice, Anderson and Sharon Felton, Fairmount, several cousins and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jill A. Relfe and brothers-in-law Robert W. Huber and Oren R. Felton.

The family will be forever grateful to Dr. Ravi Savani, who continued to provide exceptional care for Mike, while offering kindness and compassion to the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Fairmount Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 South Main Street, Fairmount, Indiana. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 3:00-8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. and offering visitation one hour prior to the service, with Pastor Gina Krause officiating.

A private burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, Indiana 46952

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com