Michael Wayne Phelps

Michael Wayne Phelps, 61, left this world and went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 31, 2023. He passed peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side. Mike was born the son of Kenneth Wayne Phelps and Dixie Dwana (Davison) Phelps on March 3, 1962, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The family moved to Bartlesville when he was very young. He was an exceptional student and graduated in 1980 from Sooner High School, and Tri-County Vo-Tech, where his father was superintendent. He went on to college and received his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology from Pittsburg State University. While at PSU, he met and later married his college sweetheart, Terrie, and they were together for 42 years. He earned the nickname “Country” while in college. His favorite attire was cowboy boots, blue jeans, and sleeveless western shirts. He loved Westerns and World War II movies. From his dorm room stereo, there could be heard a variety of music such as classic rock, and most especially, country music. Mike was an avid reader and had an exceptional retention rate after having read any given book or article the first time. He especially loved materials on engineering and manufacturing, history, and travel. He had a road map in his mind and could recall just about every trip destination and/or detour he ever took. As such, he rarely ever got lost, but if, on that rare occasion, he did lose his way, it was only for a short time, and he would say that it was “a real quick adventure” before getting back on track. Mike loved to travel, camp, hike, and fish, especially in the western parts of the United States, especially the national parks. He dearly loved being able to take his children back to some of the destinations that he and Terrie took together before they were born. He was an athlete from a young age and played baseball on the Price Fields, as did his children later, as well as basketball. He participated in track and field throwing shot and discus. He was a heavyweight wrestler and loved the sport. He also played football and was selected as an All-State football player while in high school. He was a big guy but joked that he was just the average size of a Dallas Cowboy. He later played football as a PSU Gorilla Offensive Tackle in college. He was a strong, gentle giant and never one to lose his temper. Mike left us too soon and will be forever in the hearts of his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Tear A’ Lea (Terrie), of the home, his daughters, Cayla and Hanna Phelps, of Bartlesville, and his son, Joshua Phelps and his wife Faith, of McAlester, Oklahoma, along with two grandchildren, Henry and Rosie. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Mark (Patricia) Phelps, his sister, Keli (Jim) Bussone, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, his parents, and a sister, Sallye Milner. In place of flowers, please consider a donation in Mike’s name to the American Diabetes Association, or The Journey Home Hospice, 900 Washington Blvd, Bartlesville OK 74006.

Michael Wayne Phelps

March 3, 1962 - December 31, 2023