Michael Bachus

On Saturday, May 27, 2023, Michael Gene Bachus, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at age 71. Michael was born on February 24, 1952 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Ned and Lavaca (Topsy) Bachus.

Michael graduated from Crooked Oak High School in 1971. When the voting laws changed the same year lowering the voting age to 18, he camped out for over 80 hours at the High School gym and was proud to be the 1st to vote appearing on TV and in the newspapers. He attended school reunions where he was able to re-connect with friends throughout the years. He started working as a Trackman and then with the Bridge and Building Department at the Santa Fe Railroad. He made long lasting friends during this time and they gave him the nickname “Grizz”. They continued to meet and go fishing as often as they could, laughing, drinking beer, and telling old stories.

After working for the railroad, Mike changed careers and began helping patients at Integris Health in the Work Hardening department transitioning into Massage Therapy. He taught Massage at the Central State Massage Academy and moved to the Health Academy associated with Platt College. He eventually became the Director of the Massage School where he was able to share his vast knowledge of Massage techniques and meditation. He was thrilled to be given the opportunity to massage the OU Football team as well as the Women’s Softball team. He loved working with his Massage students and was passionate about teaching.

When Platt College closed, Mike took the opportunity to drive for CART on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. He loved driving the students around campus and the OU football games. He considered himself a life-long Sooner and was ecstatic every time a football player stepped onto his bus. He made so many friends throughout his work life and school that he was able to maintain.
He loved fishing with family and friends and took pride in his yard and garden. He fought numerous battles with the squirrels that were stealing food from the backyard birds. He went to concerts of his favorite artists as often as he could. Mike was a Platinum level cruiser that loved to swim, snorkel, and scuba every chance he got, even teaching swimming and coaching at the YMCA. He was a Disney fanatic, turning into a big kid every time he entered a park. He especially loved flirting with Cinderella’s Evil Stepsisters. Mike enjoyed quiet evenings at home watching television or reading when he wasn’t riding his motorcycle. Mike was tall, big hearted, and a wonderful family man who was always ready to give bear hugs. He was adored and will be forever in our hearts.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Ned Bachus, and his mother Topsy. He is survived by his wife, Lesli; his children, Rhiannon Howard, Brad (Tessa) Bachus, Alan Horn, and Amy (Michael) Christophorou; grandsons, Braden, Kaden, Holden, and Nicholas; great-grandchildren, Liam, Aria, and Aiden; his sister, Frankie Terrell; and brother, Ned Bachus.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 6, at 2:00 p.m. at Moore Funeral and Cremation located at 400 SE 19th street in Moore, OK.

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