Michael Allen Arthur was born January 3, 1964, at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orlando FL. His parents are Fred Arthur and Janice Emerson-Bedard. When Michael was 4 years old his mother remarried to Al Emerson and they moved to Dupo IL. Michael spent summers in FL with his grandparents. While there he would attend First Baptist Church Sorrento with his grandmother. During a chalk talk at VBS one summer Michael realized that he was a sinner, needed to repent and accepted Jesus as his Savior. While growing up Michael was active in many school activities such as sports (mostly football), music (vocal and instrumental), and drama. Michael's favorite pastime was fishing. He would fish with anyone
he could persuade to join him. He was active in the Youth Group of First Baptist Church Dupo. He started to learn how to minister through the many Mission Trips he participated in. Eventually he understood that he was being called into full time ministry and surrendered to that call.
To prepare for ministry he attended Southwest Baptist University. There in a Lifestyle Evangelism class he met Sharon Jones. That relationship grew and they married on May 26, 1984. Michael later finished his degree at Yellowstone Baptist College. Michael has ministered in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Oklahoma, Missouri, Montana, and Wyoming. He has served in many capacities within the church, Children's Minister, Youth Minister, Senior Adult Minister, Music Minister, and Pastor. He also served as BSU Campus Minister for about 10 years.
Michael passed away the evening of February 7, 2023, at Cornerstone Hospice after a long illness. He is preceded in death by his mother, Janice Emerson-Bedard. Michael is survived by his Wife, Sharon; Stepfather, Al Emerson; Father, Fred Arthur; siblings: Tim Cates (Kim), Shelly Metcalf (Elmer), George Arthur (Marlys), Travis Emerson (Brenda Bonsall), Cheri Arthur (Kevin Whalen), Nickie Hanson (Philip), and Ben Arthur (Tasha Mullins). Michael and Sharon had no children but have numerous nieces, nephews, and grands that they love immensely.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at First Baptist Church Sorrento, 24125 State Road 46, Sorrento FL 32776. Visitation at 10 am, Service at 11 am and interment will be on a later date. The church will be providing a meal following the service.