Michael Lilley

Michael Wayne Lilley passed away in Denison, Texas on Aug. 8, 2020. He was 67 years young. He was born in Durant, Oklahoma on October 19, 1952, to Lynnwood and Bessie Lilley.

Mike attended his elementary through high school years in Durant. After a brief time away from Durant, Mike attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree and later his Master’s degree.

Mike worked for Southwestern Bell and AT&T for 27 years, retiring in 2005. A few weeks later, he went to work for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma in their Internet Technology department. He worked there until 2017.

Mike’s friends and family know him best as one who did for others. Mike worked hard to take care of his family. He was a dedicated and proud father, husband, church member, friend, and son. He loved to talk about Tristan and his accomplishments. Mike became involved in scouting when Tristan was in elementary school and soon became an assistant scoutmaster for Tristan’s troop. Mike continued as Scoutmaster for Troop 618 until Tristan achieved his Eagle Scout rank while in high school. He assisted other scouts in the troop as they also worked toward their Eagle rank. In addition, many other scouts were able to complete badge requirements with Mike’s and the other leaders’ guidance. Mike made sure that all of his scouts were able to attend summer camps and participate in summer trips to Colorado and New Mexico.

As a dedicated servant to his church, Mike sang in the choir and served as a Deacon and chairperson of the Board of Deacons at various times. He was also a member of the Building and Grounds Committee in addition to serving as an Elder on Session.  Mike was always willing to answer a call for help, including delivering Meals on Wheels when the church’s rotation came around.

Some of Mike’s most cherished time was spent with his longtime friends and hunting buddies. Mike took pride in being an ethical and safe hunter. He always looked forward to going to the deer lease, whether to hunt or just spend time with his friends. In addition, Mike enjoyed trips he took with his friend Dean Ellis as they traveled each summer to visit the national parks. Melissa called those trips their “Grumpy Old Men” trips and enjoyed the stories that came from their travels.

In addition to being a loyal husband, father, and friend, Mike was a dedicated son to his parents. He always answered the call to help them, no matter what the task. He made sure their property was mowed weekly, the trash was taken down on Wednesdays, and in recent years their garden was planted and watered. He felt protective of them and wanted them to be respected and appreciated.

Anyone who new Mike knew he loved life and tried to live it to the fullest. A time with friends was a time for laughter.

Mike is survived by his parents; wife, Melissa; son, Tristan of Oklahoma City, Okla.; brother, David and wife Marty of Durant, Okla.; sister, Vicki of Durant, Okla. along with several nephews and nieces.

A memorial service for Michael Lilley will be held at a later date when family and friends can safely gather. The family requests that memorials for Mike be sent to the First Presbyterian Church at 501 N. 15^th Ave. in Durant, directed to the Building or Choir fund.

Arrangements are under the care of Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home in Durant.