Michael James Tufts

Michael James Tufts born May 31st, 1989, passed away Saturday, August 23rd, 2014 at South Hampton Nursing Home here in Columbia. He fought hard for the last 20 months since a motor vehicle collision caused by an underage drunk driver December 6th 2012 that placed him in a comatose state.

He loved being a reserve police officer with the New Bloomfield Police Department and had also gained much experience as a jailer with Miller County. He hoped someday to be a Missouri State Trooper. He was a country boy who loved to fish and work on cars. He loved spending time with his family, friends, and especially with his beloved girlfriend Charise Garrett. He was the fourth of six children and is survived by his father Robert Tufts, mother Patricia Tufts and siblings Rebecca Abadi, Marilyn Nole, Kimberly Jordan, Steven Tufts and Katherine Tufts. He is also survived by two nieces and two nephews, Ethan Abadi, Kylie O’konsky, Adam O’konsky, Leyla Abadi and another nephew due in February.

Visitation will be held at the Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West in Columbia Friday August 29th from 4 to 8pm and Saturday 9 to 11 am. Actual funeral service will be 11-12 also at Memorial Funeral Home with interment at Bellefontaine Cemetery 4947 West Florissant Ave, St. Louis MO 63115 at approximately 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Michael Tufts Memorial Fund. Michael Tufts Memorial Fund, 2600 North Lake of the Woods Road, Columbia, MO 65202.