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Michael Avery Obituary
September 15, 1953 - February 9, 2021
Braselton, Georgia - Michael L. Avery, 67, of Kansas City, passed away on February 9, 2021 in Braselton, GA.
Mike was born in Leavenworth, KS, to William and Noveita Avery on September 15, 1953. He went to Lindbergh High School in St. Louis. He earned a bachelors degree from the University of Missouri at St. Louis and a MBA from Saint Louis University. He worked as Chief Investment Officer and subsequently President of Waddell & Reed for 35 years.
Mike was a faithful Christian whose relationship with God provided him great solace knowing that his limited time here on Earth would be replaced by an eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mike is survived by his wife Jo Ann; three sons, Christopher (Claire), Jonathan (Lisa), and Grant Kevins (Felicia); two brothers, Steven and Paul; mother, Noveita; and five grandchildren, Emma, Grant, Jack, Reese, and Luke.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Operation Breakthrough at bit.ly/MikeAvery
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Avery
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
Ankit Patel
February 8, 2026
He is fondly remembered by us for his kind nature and mentorship.
Cathy Hansen
May 12, 2021
This still just breaks my heart. Fly high Mike.
Melissa Cook
February 23, 2021
I knew Mike for many years through the investment business, and, more recently, through his curiosity about Africa. He was a wonderful client and an inspirational person because of his love of learning. He will be missed. My sympathy to Mike's family and loved ones.
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Frank Lane
February 18, 2021
There are many young men, including my son, from Troop 354 who owe their achievement of Eagle Scout due to Mike’s dedication, hard work, guidance, and knowledge. Both of us transplants from St. Louis, I have fond remembrances of our many fun times together on campouts & Summer Camps. Mike embodied the meaning of Eagle Scout, which he earned as a youth, and served as an example to these young men.
Frank Lane
February 18, 2021
There are many young men, including my son, from Troop 354 who owe their achievement of Eagle Scout due to Mike´s dedication, hard work, guidance, and knowledge. Both of us transplants from St. Louis, I have fond remembrances of our many fun times together on campouts & Summer Camps. Mike embodied the meaning of Eagle Scout, which he earned as a youth, and served as an example to these young men.
Jennifer Heinemann + all at Operation Breakthrough
February 16, 2021
Mike Avery was a humble and fun-loving friend to the children of Operation Breakthrough for many years. Humble in that he deflected any sort of recognition for his incredible support. Fun-loving in that he seemed to revel in the activity that ensued when our preschoolers invaded his office, touching his computer and spinning around in his desk chair. He seemed very much at ease helping run a major company one minute and tossing a ball with 5-year-olds the next. He made our children feel like the most important people he met with that day. We will always remember Mr. Mike at Operation Breakthrough.
Michael Conway and Meg Graff
February 16, 2021
Mike was the kind of guy that was a good friend the moment you met him. He will be missed. We are both so sorry for your loss.
Nick and Eileen Payton Nixon
February 15, 2021
So very sorry for your loss.
Patricia Wehman
February 15, 2021
We´ve had the pleasure of traveling with Mike and Jo Ann quite a few times over the past several years and they have become good friends. Mike always kept us entertained with his antics but he was also so very caring, kind, and considerate. We are heartbroken and our prayers go out to his family.
April Ball
February 14, 2021
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Uncle Mike. He was always so funny and kind. My prayers are with his family.
Mary Short
February 13, 2021
Such a sweet caring man! Loved our conversation.
Alan & Angela Davis
February 13, 2021
Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prays. May God give each of you peace during this time.
Ankit Patel
February 13, 2021
I am so sad to hear unfortunate passing of Mike. All of our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
I had a pleasure working with him while he was at Waddell but he became personal friend over the years. My wife and I remember him as one of the most humble and kind person, he loved bringing laughter and happiness to people around him. I was fortunate enough to enjoy his friendship over the years and will remember and cherish laughters we shared over the years.
May his soul Rest In Peace.
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