MICHAEL ANDREW LIMBIRD,
age 75, died Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, at home surrounded by the love of family and friends. He was born in Paris, Ark. on March 23, 1947, to the late Catherine Connaughton Limbird and Frank M. Limbird. He is preceded in death by his sister Linda Fiddler. He is survived by his wife of 34 years; Bonnie Beene Cotham Limbird, his brothers, Mark Limbird (Karen,) Bob Limbird (Connie), Jim Limbird (Mandy) and a host of nieces and nephews he dearly loved.
Mike grew up in Paris, Ark. and had many stories about his adventures and misadventures with his very best buddies, his brothers—away from the scrutinizing the eyes of older sister, Linda. Whether it was a brother testing a car’s cigarette lighter on his lips, or the brothers constructing a parachute for Jim’s flight from the top of the barn… something was always cooking. Mike’s dad died when Mike was 14, leaving Mike’s mom, the feisty red-haired Katy, to raise four boys and a daughter alone, teaching them to work hard, to love and depend upon one another and to put God and family first.
After graduating from high school at Subiaco Academy, Mike entered the U of A where he was a member of Theta Tau Fraternity. He received his BS in Industrial Engineering in 1970, after which he entered the USAF OCS. As the back-seater (navigator/EWO) in a F-4 Phantom Jet, Mike saw action in the Vietnam war. He was stationed at Udorn, Thailand and Spangdahlem, Germany earning the rank of Capt. After returning to the States, he completed his 7-year career as a Navigator Instructor at Mather AFB. His engineering career began at the ARDOT in 1978. In 1990, Mike returned to night classes at the U of A on the UALR campus to complete his MS in Engineering Management. At retirement, he was the Staff Materials Engineer in the Material Division of ARDOT. He was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Industrial Engineers at the University of Arkansas in 2005 and is a past-president of the ARDOT Retirees. Mike was an engineer in every sense of the word. His engineering mind fixed everything that was broken and his creativity with solving dilemmas was the glue that held home together—as well as many things at Woodlake Condos on Lake Hamilton where Mike served on the Board for over 30 years. Anyone who had the opportunity of riding with Mike fully understood his use of the term “Lock and Load” and witnessed his ability to do several things at one time, both to accelerate, de-accelerate and move the steering wheel continually in concert. This brought into question how he helped maintain an F`4 fighter jet in a very tight formation or landed it perfectly on an aircraft carrier in the dark of night. But driving with his mom Katy could explain a lot about the role genetics plays in driving. Some of his greatest navigational skills were tested by trips in Ireland and Rome where he partnered with his friend and creative driver, Pat Morrison, for many thrilla-minute rides.
Mike was proud of his Irish heritage and loved being in Ireland. He was especially amused at being mistaken on three occasions by Ireland citizens for an Irish television news personality, proving beyond all doubt that his bushy eyebrows and his countenance were wholly Irish. His heritage was further verified by his ever-present Irish determination (monumental stubbornness).
Mike was a man of many interests and talents. He earned a Black belt in Karate, loved to garden and to force bloom flowers. He hunted, traveled, cooked divine cakes and pies, grandly entertained friends, watched Nascar and football, attended games and, armchair coached the Razorbacks—loudly. He was interested in all kinds of history, was an appreciator of art and theatre and was a walking encyclopedia of Military history and strategy. As a lover of the outof-doors, his hunting consisted mostly of enjoyment of the sky, the trees, and birds—with only two unlucky turkeys ending up in his archives. He and Bonnie fished at every opportunity, always with great competition— the winner being decided by whomever was telling the story.
Most importantly, Mike was a man of love, integrity and generosity of spirit. His green eyes twinkled with humor, kindness, and gratitude. He will forever be in our hearts.
A visitation will be held Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5-7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home. There will be a celebration of Mike’s life on Friday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. at Holy Souls Catholic Church.
Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Repertory Theater or to a favorite charity. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com.