Michael Francis Amber

Michael Francis Amber was born October 28th, 1934 in Cleveland, OH, and went to be with the Lord on August 14th, 2018. While growing up, his family moved to Deland, FL and he graduated from Deland High School in 1953. During his high school years, he played baseball, football, and participated in the high school music program. As a gifted singer, he received a college scholarship in Music to Stetson University - he performed the lead baritone vocal in a production of Handel's "Messiah" at age 19! - but instead chose to join the Air Force in 1954. He served four years in Communications while stationed in Chateau Rue, France. After the service, he graduated from college in what is now known as Northern Colorado University. He taught high school for a year, then moved to California to pursue a Masters program in Music & Drama at UCLA. While working in Stage, TV and Film in California, he became a renaissance man, developing high-level abilities as an artist, builder, carpenter, cook, painter, and potter, using the exceptionally talented hands God gave him. He decided to move to New York to continue his musical theater career. Some of his favorite career highlights included "Pickwick" with Davy Jones, "Mame" with both Celeste Holm and Anne Miller, "Coco" with Katherine Hepburn, "Man of La Mancha" with Howard Keel, and the "Jesus" film project. He played many instruments including piano, harmonica, guitar, accordion, banjo, ukulele, and wrote songs. Using his powerful baritone voice, he traveled the US as well performing a one-man music ministry tour. He moved back to California in 1992, married his sweetheart, Mariellen, in 1998, and moved to Knoxville, TN in 2012. He ministered music to many churches, congregations and prisons across the United States. He was a self-taught accomplished chef, providing fabulous gourmet meals, an appreciation for good wine, and entertained many people. Throughout his life he shared interesting stories about his career and the people he met. He loved the Lord with all his heart, talking to anybody about his love for Jesus. He was a fierce defender of the righteousness of God, an encourager, and a relentless man of prayer. He was proud to serve his country and was a true patriot. He was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife Mariellen, daughter Celeste Amber Montague (Terry), son Michael, and grandson Jordan. Funeral service will be held 2PM on Saturday, August 18 at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service. Interment will be at Riverside US National Cemetery, Riverside, CA with Full Military Honors presented by the US Air Force.

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Michael Francis Amber

October 28, 1934 - August 14, 2018