Search by Name

Search by Name

Michael Okins Obituary

Michael David Okins, 52, of Salem, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 25, 2009. He was born on May 24, 1956 in France and was the son of the late Gerold Elmer and Lucille Ann Okins. Michael was a faithful and devoted member of Fort Lewis Baptist Church. In his career he served as the Sheriff of Hazard County and a city police officer in McCook, Nebraska. He was also a private investigator in San Diego, Calif. Michael was currently employed at Montgomery County Social Services as a Fraud Investigator. One of his greatest joys in life was helping others. In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his first wife, Jo Okins. He is survived by his wife, Lesa Okins; stepdaughters, Shanna Cunningham and husband, Kyle, Rebecca Pauley and husband, Jarvis, and Kaitlyn Witt; two brothers, James Okins and wife, Noreen and Gerald Okins and wife, Cindy; sister, Sherry Simmons and husband, Richard; four stepgrandchildren, Brooklyne and Caleb Cunningham and Kaylee and Bailee Pauley; three nieces, Katherine Okins, Abigail Okins, and Audra Simmons; and one nephew, Ryan Crittenden. A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2009, at Fort Lewis Baptist Church. Memorial donations may be made to Fort Lewis Baptist Church, 4215 W. Main Street, Salem, VA 24153. The Okins family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son, Salem, 540-389-5441.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Jan. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Okins

Not sure what to say?





Connie Martin

February 2, 2009

Mike was a good investigator and always ready to assist when needed. The last day I saw Mike he was showing us a picture of one of his grandchildren, he was so proud of all of them. Our prayers are with his family.

David Pilkenton

January 30, 2009

I had not the pleasure of knowing him however he seems like he was well loved and respected. Our prayers go out for your loss.

Lynn Campbell

January 30, 2009

I considered Mike to be my friend and he will be missed. You have our sympathy and prayers.

Cyndi Carter

January 30, 2009

Mike was a shining light in my life and one of the few truly all around good guys. He will be greatly missed here at work, but I am a better person for having known him. His family is in my thoughts and prayers, may we all have just a little bit of the strength that Mike had.

Cyndi Carter (MCDSS)

Wes Shropshire

January 29, 2009

Mike:
From one ex-cop to another, Go with God my friend. May God bless and comfort your family in their time of loss.

SHERRY SMITH

January 29, 2009

YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL

Aubrey O'Quinn

January 29, 2009

Michael was a fine person, friend, and fellow fraud investigator. We all will miss him and the contribution that he made to our group. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in this time of grief. God Bless

Cindy Wiley-Lamb

January 29, 2009

You were a blessing to all and your memory will remain in our hearts forever.

January 29, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Andrea Taylor-Goff

Tiffany Cunningham

January 29, 2009

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Larry Dillon

January 29, 2009

Michael was a fine investigator and friend. All PAIV and SFIA members will truly miss him. He was the best example of a true professional.

David Erhardt, CWFI

January 29, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dianna Wood

January 29, 2009

Our hearts go out to you in your time of need. May God keep you in his hands and touch your hearts in the days to come.

Becky Pauley

January 28, 2009

Mom & Kait;

What a blessing Mike was and still is! He is a very special guy to all of our hearts and I am so blessed with the memories I got to share with him. He is missed and thought of every second of the day. I'll miss seeing him in his "Rabbit Hat"!! But now he is in heaven having the best time with God! And one day we'll all be there to join in on the fun that Mike is experiencing now! May God see us through this tough time. He will make sure our hearts will heal with the love and memories we have with Mike! Love you both so much!! XOXO

Jessica Liew US Celluar@Valley View

January 28, 2009

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Monica Moore

January 28, 2009

Lesa and family,
We are sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Bullington Law Firm

Vickie Saker

January 28, 2009

Lesa , Becky, and family,
We have the pleasure of having you all into our family. Mike will be truly missed, and we will pray that God will help you through this.

Vickie and family

Monte Madsen

January 27, 2009

Gerald, Sherry, Richard and families,
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Winston and Cindy Moors

January 27, 2009

Lesa and family. We are so sorry for the loss of Mike but are so glad we got to meet him. He had a gentle and sweet spirit and am sure he was one of a kind. May you sad heart be flooded with sweet memories.

Gary and Judy Doss

January 27, 2009

Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Laura West

January 27, 2009

Lesa, Kaitlyn, and family,

We were shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Your family has constantly been our prayers and we want to be here if you need anything. It was nice to spend some time with you all on Sunday. May God continue to surround your entire family. We love you guys so much and will continue praying. Mike will be missed by so many in our church.

We love you guys,
Adam and Laura West

Russ and Beth Coulter

January 27, 2009

Lesa,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers and we pray that the Lord will help through this very trying time. Cherish your memories and remember the good times you had with Mike.
Beth (Quantum Medical)

Greg and Debbie Denton

January 27, 2009

Lisa, you and the entire family are in our prayers. Mike was a very special person and our lives have been enriched by his friendship.

Cathy Banks

January 27, 2009

Mike was a great friend and an excellent investigator. I will miss him greatly and his funny sense of humor. I am blessed to have known him.

Sandy Taylor

January 27, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. The LORD will see you through this difficult time.

Daniel Sandy, Danielle,& Danny Taylor

Quantum Medical

January 27, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

KELLY WALTERS

January 27, 2009

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever. If I can be any help let me know. Mike was one of the good guys helpin people.

Valley Nephrology Associates

January 27, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Okin Family

Richard Simmons

January 27, 2009

Mike was my brother in-law and friend for over 25 years and my life is better for having him in it. I just can't seem to get the words from my heart into my fingers.

I will see you later Mike. Thank you for everything.

Mike & Freda

January 27, 2009

What a terrible loss. We're so very sorry.

Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Okins's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Okins

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Okins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more