Michael Akrouche

Michael (Mohamad) Akrouche was born September 15th, 1934 in Kab Elias, Lebanon and passed away at his home in Columbus, OH on January 21, 2019. Michael was a very proud and humble man who left Lebanon shortly after college and ventured through many capitals of European, Africa, and South American countries where he settled in Rio de Janeiro as a freelance reporter. He came to Columbus two years later to visit his cousin who was attending the Ohio State University. He met and a short time later married, Mary Ellen Walters, of Jackson, Ohio, on February 16th, 1957, a post Valentine's Day marriage.

His lengthy public service career began in 1957 with the State of Ohio Department of Liquor Control then onto the U.S. Small Business Administration as Deputy Director, as well as

Special Assistant Director of HUD Labor Relations. Upon retiring from twenty one years of federal service, he was appointed with Ohio Senate confirmation as a member of Governor

Voinovich's cabinet, serving as Director of the Ohio Liquor Control Department. He was praised by the Governor, Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, and President of the Ohio

Senate for his outstanding service. He retired from state service in 1997.

Michael will be missed as a proud accomplished American of Lebanese Arabic and Islamic traditions and values remembered for his love, loyalty, and devotion to his family and country.

Preceeded in death by his loving parents and son Romel Akrouche. He is survived by his adoring wife Mary of 62 years; daughter, Desiree Ervin; five grandchildren, Rachael Fenton,

Jordan Ervin, Omar, Isaac, and Simon Akrouche; two great grandchildren; brothers, Dean and Alex; sisters, Fatima and Alia, countless friends, and loved ones.

Private family services have been held. Burial, Northlawn Cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 2-4pm on Saturday January 26, 2019 at the Schoedinger Northeast Chapel, 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230.