Michael Dean Burrus

Michael Dean "Mike" Burrus went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 23, 2025, in Oklahoma City, OK at the age of 72.

Mike was born to Darlene and Dean Burrus on December 30, 1952, in Wichita, KS. He was raised in Maize, KS and later in Kansas City, MO alongside his sister Joy. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard which led to 21 years of military service. Retiring in 1991, he then worked 10 years at Tinker AFB with a subcontractor taking care of flightline equipment until it became too demanding physically to continue. Then came many years of volunteering.

Mike met Patricia Marie Henry in Missouri when she was a teenager. Years later after Mike
graduated from boot camp, they reconnected in California where he was coincidentally stationed, and Patti was living with her family. He asked her on a date when she was 16 and a half and the two were never apart from then on. After Patti's high school graduation, the two were married May 17, 1975, in Cape Cod, MA. They were blessed with three children: Christopher Michael, Danielle Jennifer, and Sydnie Marie. As a father, he taught his children self-discipline, structure, and the importance of independence. He was their biggest cheerleader and always had their back.

As a child Mike was fascinated with all types of aircraft and firearms. He had an insatiable
curiosity about how things worked. From childhood to adulthood, this resulted in many hours of tearing apart and rebuilding small appliances around the home. Though there were often "extra" parts leftover...he always managed to get stuff working again!

While serving his country on land and the high seas, Mike wasted no time advancing his military career. Specializing as a Gunner's Mate, he achieved the rank of Master Chief at the age of 36 to become one of only 3 serving the USCG. During Mike's 21-year military career, he was stationed in California, Massachusetts, Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. He served as a Range Master and Law Enforcement Officer, performed maintenance, training and operations as an Ordnance Specialist, worked many important search and rescue missions, and served as one of three Master Chief Gunners Mates in the Coast Guard: creating the guidelines and regulations for the specialty. During his distinguished service in the United States Coast Guard, he was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal with four Bronze Stars, the Commandant's Letter of Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation with three Gold Stars, and the Bicentennial Unit Commendation. He also received the National Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Star, the Coast Guard Sea Service Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, and qualified as an expert marksman with both the rifle and pistol. His commitment to excellence was further recognized with the Coast Guard Cutterman's Insignia, symbolizing his dedication to time spent at sea.

He was the first in his family to earn a degree, completing his Associate's degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a perfect 4.0 GPA- completing night classes, while working his full-time job and providing for his family during the day. After his retirement, Mike spent many years mentoring people aged 12 to 90 through the Air Force's Auxiliary: The Civil Air Patrol; achieving the rank of Major and eventually commanding a squadron of his own.

Throughout Mike's life, he was known for his honesty, integrity and Christian faith. Respected by many who sought his insight and advice on life, work and relationships. As a devout Christian, you would find him studying his Bible and eager to share everything he could about his faith and love for Jesus Christ. He was an avid fan of Star Trek, with a distinguished collection of memorabilia. A well-rounded guy who was self-taught to play 12-string guitar. He enjoyed the challenge when anyone would be brave enough to sit opposite him for a game of chess...he rarely lost! Utilizing his leadership skills, he taught archery, gun safety and shooting for folks of all ages; and watched a LOT of TV.

Mike was happiest spending his time doing one of his favorite hobbies including flying as a private pilot, fishing, bow hunting; or watching TV. Traveling with Patti and his family was among his favorite times. Whether it was on a cruise ship or a road trip, Mike loved these special times with his family.

Mike is survived by Patti Burrus his wife of 50 years; son Chris Burrus and wife Angie Adams; daughter Danielle Burrus and husband Jeremy Nittler; daughter Sydnie Burrus and husband Ethan Mathieu; sister Joy Adelle Barkofske; niece Deana Plaster and husband Travis; lastly his fur babies Eve and Max. Mike is preceded in death by his parents Darlene and Dean Burrus and his beloved Yorkshire terrier "Scotty".

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