Michael John Draheim

Michael J. Draheim, 66, of Fort Smith, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2020. He was born January 15, 1954, in Interlaken, New York, to Charles Draheim and Carol Gleason Draheim. In addition to serving in the Army Reserve, Michael was a Vietnam War Veteran (Navy) and an Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm Veteran (Army).

Michael was a strong-willed personality who restored a cherry 1960s Pontiac GTO, enjoyed collecting vinyl records (acquiring the nickname “Bleed Off” at the Arkansas CD and Record Exchange) and frequenting flea markets. He loved watching movies and always had a fresh cup of coffee ready to go. Stories of his childhood in New York include getting tattooed at the carnival, cleaning the gutters for Rod Serling’s family cottage on Cayuga Lake and working for Virgil at The Goodman Hotel (until his proclivity for shift beers was discovered). While Michael characterized his Arkansas residency as “nobody’s fault,” he never abandoned his New York lexicon.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Pati Temple. He is survived by his two daughters, Kim Mai Draheim of Little Rock and Ai Lien Draheim and husband Andrew Morgan of North Little Rock; one sister, Marcie Draheim of Durango, Colorado; one brother, Stephen Draheim of Interlaken, New York; and trusted family friend and stepmother to his children, Mayumi Takada of Little Rock.

No services are scheduled at this time. Michael will be laid to rest at Fort Smith National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.