04/20/2026
Michael “Mike” Clark Grayson, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, was born on July 2, 1949, in Caney, Kansas, to Odis and Leona Grayson. Mike lived a full life marked by hard work, friendship, laughter, and a deep love for his family. He was also one of the proudest Sandites in town, a member of the Class of ’67, and carried a deep pride for anything Sand Springs throughout his life.
He is survived by his best friend and companion of 22 years, Kara Morris. His two kids, Chris Grayson and Cheryl Klahr. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard Bowen and wife Shirley, and Steve Bowen; and his sisters, Judy Woolley and husband Rodney, and Carole Pray and husband Steve.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Odis and Leona Grayson; his brother, Phil Bowen; his sister, Shirley Jean, who died at birth; his sister-in-law, Ganelle Bowen; and his nephew, Philip Bowen and niece Phyllis Bowen.
Mike’s greatest pride and joy were his two children, Chris Grayson and Cheryl Klahr. Well, at least until Kelsi and Brandon came along. After that, his grandchildren became the true lights of his life, and his kids would probably joke they were all but forgotten. He never missed a chance to brag on them, spend time with them, or make them feel like the center of his world. He also leaves behind Chris’s kids, Danielle Chance, Christine Rosander, and Dominic Shea, and Sherry’s kids, Ronnie, Ashley, and Justin.
In many ways, Mike grew up at the steel mill. He started there from age 20 until age 59, through its many names and seasons: Armco, Sheffield, and finally Gerdau. Beginning as a yellow hat and working his way up into management, he made many lifelong friends along the way. He had the privilege of working with some of the greatest legends and best friends of his life there, including Mike Lawrence, Wendell Snodgrass, Buck Cramer, and Bruce Ford and so many more to mention. Finis Hunt, Gary Grigsby and Dale Grigsby are some other dear friends throughout his life. One of his greatest honors was seeing his own son, Chris, follow in his footsteps and work there as well. And we would be remiss if we did not mention one of his best friends from his younger years, Tommy Simpson.
After retirement, Mike enjoyed working in sales for his good friend Dale Henceroth, a job and friendship that brought him a great deal of happiness.
Mike’s first wife, Glenda, and the mother of Chris and Cheryl, also worked at Sheffield. Though they later divorced, they remained close friends throughout their lives and shared a long history together.
Mike became a father at the age of 17 and he never shied away from telling stories on himself. One of his favorites was about being a dad while still in high school and managing to get into enough trouble to earn swats from the principal. He proudly walked for his diploma, and those who knew him best lovingly joked that Glenda actually earned the diploma. That season of life may not have seemed important to him at the time, but family would become the center of his world.
Mike lived life fully and with spirit. He had a passion for hot rods and especially loved his 1959 El Camino, which he owned for 30 years. It won multiple awards and brought him countless laughs and memories. He was an avid golfer accomplishing three hole in ones in his lifetime and was proud to serve as president of the Senior Men’s Golf Association at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge. He also loved pickleball and treasured his many friends at the Case Community Center, where he might affectionately be remembered as an “average pickleball player.”
Mike was also the kind of neighbor everyone hopes to have. He spent plenty of time mowing neighbors’ yards because, as he would say, they were “old.” Of course, the joke was that they were usually about the same age he was. It was just one more example of his generous heart, his sense of humor, and the quiet ways he took care of the people around him.
Mike also had a special place in his heart for his beloved dog, Rex, who went on to doggy heaven a few years ago.
Mike had been looking forward to the Capital 66 Cruise Parade in an attempt to beat the Guinness World Record of hot rods in a parade, and in his honor, his grandchildren Brandon and Kelsi, along with their fiancés, Makayla and Chris, will be driving the 59 El Camino in his honor.
Above all, Mike will be remembered for the love he had for his family, the loyalty he showed his friends, and the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures. Whether he was on the golf course, at pickleball, talking cars, delivering Meals on Wheels, cheering on the Thunder, or spending time with his grandchildren, Mike lived with heart. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
As Kara stated the other day, his final breath, taken April 17, the day our music died.
Michael Mike Clark Grayson July 2, 1949 April 17, 2026 Michael Mike Clark Grayson, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, was born on July 2, 1949, in Caney, Kansas, to Odis and Leona Grayson. Mike lived a full life marked by hard work, friendship, laughter, and a deep love for his family.
