Arthur (Art) Asdig Mekjian was born on October 28, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan to Vartanoush (Kaylemjian) and Ohannes Mekjian. Born at the height of the Great Depression, He was the youngest of 3 children: Rose and Jack who he loved dearly. While he was born in Detroit, his Parents and Siblings were born in Evereg, Turkey. They escaped Genocide and traveled to America.

 In 1946, Art attended Cass Technological High School in Downtown Detroit – where he studied the basics, played Varsity Football and endured in Drafting, Mechanical Design and Auto Shop. After High School, his older Brother Jack helped him land an apprenticeship as a Draftsman at Mardigian Corporation where he began that professional Trade.

 In 1952, Art was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He completed Basic Training at Fort Custer (near Battle Creek, Mi.) and was transferred to Fort Knox, Kentucky where he was accepted into a specialist training program for technical support of heavy artillery and motor vehicles (Tanks). He was discharged in April of 1954 at rank of Corporal and was decorated with The Distinguished Service and Good Conduct Medal’s during his service. Art was a proud American.

After the War, Art continued as a Draftsman and learned to be a Tool & Die maker where he worked for The Chrysler Corporation for over 40 years and served the UAW Local 212 in many capacities including Steward, Financial Executive (CFO) and Board Member. Art was a strong supporter of Labor and had great empathy for the working man.    

While in the Army, the love of his life Virginia Bayekian and Arthur were Married on April 25, 1953. Their marriage lasted a laudable 70 years.

Art’s legacy is that he was a loving Father, a great role model and a great provider. He wished to provide a platform centered on education and Family unity. He wanted all of his Kin to be University educated and perpetuators of the Armenian religion and culture.

Arthur (GG) leaves behind his Children, 10 Grand Children and 15 Great Grandchildren listed below. 

Arthur Asdig Mekjian; Beloved husband of the late Virginia Mekjian. Dear Father of Carolyn (Terry) Waidley. Lisa (Sarkis) Mikhjian, Gregory (Cari) Mekjian and Gary (Heidi) Mekjian.

Loving Grandfather of Matthew (Dana) Waidley, Melissa (Andy) Steffens, Stephen (Erin) Waidley, Peter (Alyssa) Mikhjian, , Brian (Annie Egan) Mekjian, Andrea (Michael) Haupfear, Paul (Morgan) Mikhjian, Christopher (Aleeha) Mikhjian, Ethan (AnnMarie) Mekjian, Kara Mekjian.

Loving Great Grandfather of Grayson Waidley, Madelyn Waidley, Jacob Steffens, Connor Steffens, Weston Waidley, Ava Steffens, Virginia Mikhjian, Charlie Haupfear, Lake Mekjian, Miles Haupfear, Clara Mikhjian, Arthur Mikhjian, Liliana Waidley, Sarkis Mikhjian, Landon Mekjian.

Dear brother of the late Jack (Helen) Mekjian and the late Rose (Dave) Ghoogasian. Also survived by many other friends and relatives.

Visitation, Saturday, January 24th, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at St. John Armenian Church 22001 Northwestern Highway, Southfield.  

Arthur's Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Graveside Burial Service at 1:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are to Evereg-Fenesse Educational Society or St. John Armenian Church or Manoogian Manor.