Mike Sly, 89, of Bel Aire, KS kicked his last proverbial bucket on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, capping off a long life of adventures that he often described as exceeding expectations for a "poor old country boy from Oklahoma." He would often wax poetic when talking with those he loved, sharing the many exploits and experiences he had the opportunity to collect in his vast memory bank. He spent his last days surrounded at home by his loving family that reminisced fondly for a life well spent in pursuit of learning and sarcastically letting those close to him know where we stood.

He was born November 22nd, 1934, in Lawton, OK.  Having grown up during the Great Depression and influence of his grandparents, Mike was often frugal while also enjoying the pleasures of life where it counted most. He graduated from Lawton High School in 1951, often enrolling in science and math classes that led him to a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico State University in 1960 followed by a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1973.

Throughout the years of Mike's path to scholarly enlightenment, he would lend his service to this great nation first in the Navy during and after the Korean War which he would often regale others with his enjoyment of "having sailed the world on his uncle's yacht, the USS Pocono." Upon graduation Mike enlisted in and learned to hunt with the Army ROTC while earning his officer's commission before ultimately accepting a civil service engineering position where he would go "soaring with the Air Force" while spending the remainder of his career at Tinker AFB, Kirtland AFB, and finally Wright-Patterson AFB leading the KC-135R Tanker Re-engine Program.

During his later years, Mike spent his time leading the neighborhood watch program, meaning he often watched as neighbors walked dogs, washed cars, and generally passed through his keen field of vision. Those who know Mike well learned a lot from his observations and ongoing commentary for the activity passing by in front of his house.

He is preceded in death by his parents, David Lester and Addie Maye Sly, sister Billie Jean Caldwell, sister Barbara Jane Rushing, son Anthony (Tony) Sly, and daughter Cindy Bird.

Mike is survived by his wife Lillian "Trudy" Sly of 64 happy years; son Michael (Tina) Sly of Phoenix, AZ; daughter Laura Mewes of Park City, KS; son David (Jamie) Sly of San Antonio, TX; and sister Bettye Jo Russell (Lawton, OK), and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family will be raising a glass of Mike's favorite libation during a private celebration in remembrance of his full life while encouraging friends and extended family to do the same as he liked an occasional beer, good Canadian Whiskey, old-time country music, while always having an eye for the pretty ladies because as Dad always told us, "a woman's as old as she looks, a man's old when he quits looking." In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219 or to East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218.

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center ~ Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com