Michael Grant McCreary was born on August 9, 1947, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He passed away peacefully on March 1, 2024, at the age of 76, with his family by his side.
Michael (known to most as "Mike" and by some as "Mook" or “Mookie”) was the son of Margaret McCreary and Walter G. McCreary. He was raised in Stillwater, by his mother and grandparents Albert and Maggie Gazaway. He attended elementary through high school in Stillwater, graduating from Stillwater High, in 1965. He then went on to attend Oklahoma State University before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1968. In 1969, his Navy duty took him to Danang Vietnam where he served as Naval support activity, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star as well as the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device before being honorably discharged.
Mike returned from service to Oklahoma State, where he met the love of his life, Jeanne “Nena” Giacomo. On January 9, 1971, they married in Sapulpa Oklahoma at Sacred Heart Church. Mike and Nena welcomed their first child, Kimberly Ann, in 1971. Daughter, Stacey Rebecca, was born in 1974, followed by son, Jeffrey Grant in 1979 and daughter, Lindsey Michele in 1987. Mike and Nena built a life together and through all life’s challenges adhered to their vows and commitment made nearly 50 years earlier. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary the month following Nena’s passing.
Mike loved his family and enjoying with them many of the simple things in life such as camping, fishing, cooking (he could smoke a mean brisket), watching a great game or even a watching a bowling match. Mike enjoyed bowling, having worked in a bowling alley growing up, as well as playing in numerous leagues throughout his life. He became a great bowler and bowled several perfect 300 games. He proudly wore the awards received for those perfect games (a ring and watches).
Having grown up in Stillwater and attending Oklahoma State, he was a devoted OSU Cowboy fan. Anytime they would beat the Sooners, he would be sure to let you know. He was certainly excited the Cowboys won the last Bedlam and would have those bragging rights.
Some of Mike’s his favorite moments were spent watching his children and grandchildren play sports or perform at school. He was incredibly proud of them and was not shy about telling them, and others how proud he was.
Mike is survived by his children, Kim Atchley (Chad Grubb), Stacey McCreary, Jeff McCreary (Sabrina) and Lindsey McCreary, his cherished grandchildren, Jacob Atchley (Shannon), Jordan Atchley, Alexia McCreary, and Trysta Shead, and adored great grandchildren, Easton, and Paxton, plus many other loving family members.
Mike is now reunited with his loving wife, Jeanne McCreary, mother, Margaret McCreary, grandparents, Albert and Maggie Gazaway and sister, Judy Geddie, in Heaven. He will be deeply missed.