Michael J. Ward passed away peacefully on July 27, 2018, at the age of 74. He was a loving husband, father, Grampy, Bubba and friend to many. Mike was born July 13, 1944 in Hollywood, CA to Perry and Irene (McGuirk) Ward. He was in two movies as a child, one as Claudette Colbert's baby in "Tomorrow Is Forever", and the other with Oklahoma singing cowboy Jimmy Wakely, called "Riders of the Dawn". After traveling the United States while his father did radio and television announcing, the family settled back in Oklahoma. Mike attended Edison High School, Class of 1962. He was a member of the 1964 University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane Bluebonnet Bowl Champion Football Team. In 1976, he graduated from Central State University (now UCO). From 1975 to 1980, he served as Assistant to Gerald Grimes, Insurance Commissioner for the State of Oklahoma. Entering the military in 1967 as a private, he served for 29 years in various capacities in both Army Reserves and Active Army. He received a direct commission to First Lieutenant in 1976, and in 1995 he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mike proudly served his country in the First Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm/Shield, and was recognized as the most decorated soldier during that operation. He earned 10 medals and ribbons including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (his 2nd), Army Commendation Medal (his 5th) and the Humanitarian Service Medal. All who knew Mike recognized his love for his country and his patriotic spirit. Mike began teaching for Tulsa Public Schools in 2001 and retired in 2010 to become a full-time Grampy. Mike's love and devotion to our country could only be surpassed by his love and devotion to his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Bill, and two daughters, Amy and Tammy. Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Becky; sister Jodi (Kelly Jones); children Melissa (Mike Mullen), Nathan and Ashley; grandchildren Sarah, Jacob, Zoey, Emma and Abigail; great-granddaughter Lexi; nephew Casey Jones (Adriane); great-nephew Zachary. Mike will always be remembered for his positive outlook, unmatched sense of humor, and great love for his family and country. Memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 9th & Yale, Tulsa, on Friday, August 3 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke's or the National Kidney Foundation.