12/23/2025
Michael "Mike" Duane Williams, 79, of Nowata, Oklahoma, entered his eternal home on December 20, 2025 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born October 30, 1946, in Nowata, Oklahoma, Mike lived a life defined by devotion to his family, faith, community, and the values he held dear.
Mike, educated in the Delaware Public Schools system, was a proud Warrior through and through. After graduation he attended Oklahoma State University, where, as Debbie would say, "he majored in billiards, as he spent more hours behind a pool stick than a book". Thankfully, that lasted only a few semesters before he moved on to build a remarkable 50-year career with Phillips Petroleum Company in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. His dedication to his work was unparalleled and matched only by his unwavering commitment to his hometown. Mike declined to relocate to Denver, Colorado for his career and chose to remain living and working in Nowata area, the community he loved, while raising his family.
A proud member of the Army National Guard in Nowata, Mike served his country with honor and integrity. His service reflected the same steadfast character that would define every chapter of his life.
Mike was a true Christian and a devout member of Hillside Christian Church in Nowata and often visited other area churches to engage with others who shared his faith and love for the Lord. He exemplified the Second Commandment from Matthew 22:39: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." He was a testament to that principle— marked by selflessness, kindness, and a deep sense of responsibility toward others.
Mike’s impact on the Nowata community was profound. He served as President of the Nowata Little League Association, President of the School Board for Nowata Public Schools and coached both of his sons’ baseball teams with passion and
dedication. Summer evenings were often spent at the baseball fields where Mike could be found prepping the diamonds before donning his coach’s cap. His wife Debbie was always nearby with a scorebook in hand—a quiet but constant presence by his side. Mike’s leadership extended beyond sports; he was also an active member of the Nowata PTA and remained deeply involved in community affairs throughout his life. He was even an active Board member of the Ball Cemetery serving to ensure his neighbors and loved ones were treated well, even in death.
Even after retirement from Phillips Petroleum Company in 2017, Mike continued to be very active by volunteering throughout his community. He volunteered during the elections by working at Nowata's polling sites, as well as proudly committing every Thursday afternoon at The Journey Home in Bartlesville. Where he offered comfort and companionship to families and their loved ones nearing life’s end—just as he had done for so many throughout his own life.
Mike dedicated just as much of himself to his loved ones. He made it his personal mission to create lasting memories for his family---trips to Dogpatch, Worlds of Fun, World's Fair, National Parks, and countless other destinations were just some of the places Mike and his family explored together. Mike cherished the tradition of the family vacation and even included an additional family trip or two in the summer to catch a Kansas City Royals game—a ritual that brought him great joy.
Mike was an avid fan of all sports, not just baseball. He loved OU football—Boomer!, the St. Louis Cardinals, OKC Thunder, Chicago Bulls, and especially Michael Jordan. He reveled in the thrill of competition and camaraderie sports provide.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Deborah Ann Shipley Williams of the home; son Kevin Duane Williams and Nikki of Oologah, Oklahoma; grandsons TaKoda Addison Williams of Stillwater; Ethan Michael Williams and Bonnie of Owasso; Blake Hope of Talala; Bear Hope and Haylee of Claremore; Gracie Hope of Oologah; great- grandson Ronin Williams of Owasso; great-granddaughter Brynlee Hope of Claremore; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who were touched by his warmth and generosity.
Mike was preceded in death by parents Hewlett "Tom" and Violet Williams; parents Wolf and Shirley Shipley, brother Tom Williams; and son Brian Jefferson Williams.
Mike Williams lived with purpose, led with compassion, and loved without condition. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as an enduring example of a life well lived. Vistitation for Mike will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM in Nowata at Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 E. Cherokee Street. A celebration of Mike's life will be held on December 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Cornerstone Church, 260 E. Galer Avenue in Nowata, Oklahoma, with Randall Schatz officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made in Mike’s honor to The Journey Home of Bartlesville Providing compassionate end-of-life care.
www.the journeyhomeok.org (http://journeyhomeok.org/)
