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Published on Saturday, October 30, 2004
in the Lakeland Ledger
LAKELAND -- Mr. Maines "Mike" Edenfield, a retired first sergeant for the Florida Highway Patrol, died of kidney disease Thursday (Oct. 28, 2004) at Valencia Hills Health and Rehab. He was 82.
"He was one of the finest," his wife, Lillian L. Edenfield, said. "He worked for the Troop C except for the 17 months that he was down in Miami-Dade County. He has been around Tampa, Brooksvile, Lakeland and Inverness."
Born in Lake Butler on July 6, 1922, he was a Navy veteran of World War II. He came to Lakeland from Inverness 40 years ago.
His career as a State Trooper began following his discharge from the Navy, and spanned 38 years. "When he got out of the Navy, he signed up for the highway patrol and was accepted and that was his life. He was very well thought of," his wife said. Mr. Edenfield retired when he was 60.
Mr. Edenfield enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, and watching television. For many years, he was an avid fisherman. "He was just so happy to retire to get to fish, and then after he retired, he found out that fishing was work so he sold his boat,"his wife said. The couple celebrated their56th wedding anniversary in May.
He was a member of the Voice Triumph, a music ministry in Mulberry. He was a 60year member of the Masonic Lodge No. 345. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Lakeland.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Edenfield is survived by his brother, James Roscoe Edenfield, Fall Croft, Pa.; one granddaughter;and one great-grandson.
Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church. Services will follow at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Spring Lake Cemetery.