Michael Dean Waldrop

1947 - 2025

Michael Dean Waldrop
04/23/1947 - 07/29/2025
Michael "Mike" Dean Waldrop was born on April 23, 1947, in Odessa, Texas, to Charlie R. and Hazel (Clark) Waldrop. He passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, in Midland, Texas.
Mike attended Permian High School, Odessa College, and West Texas State before earning a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. On January 17, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca (Malone). Eighteen years later, in 1987, they welcomed their greatest joy - their daughter, Alexis Lyn.
Mike spent much of his career serving as CFO for various local businesses in Midland. In 2004, he realized a lifelong dream when he built and managed Desert Thunder Raceway - a local drag strip that quickly became a hub of community, friendship, and fast cars until its closing in 2014.
A true enthusiast of life in the fast lane, Mike lived big, fast, and loud. In his younger years, he loved fishing, hunting, and racing motocross and enduro bikes. His passion for speed only grew with time. He was an avid Harley-Davidson rider, a dedicated car restorer, and a collector of unique hot rods. He especially enjoyed car shows, where he could share his love of classic vehicles with like-minded friends.
Mike was deeply loved as a husband, father, brother, and friend. His presence in our lives will be profoundly missed, but we are forever grateful to God for the memories and the legacy he leaves behind.
He was preceded in death by his parents, "Pete" and Hazel Waldrop. He is survived by his loving wife of over 56 years, Becky Waldrop of Midland; his daughter, Lexi Johnson, and her husband, Kris, of Midland; his sisters, Pam Mayhew and her husband, Lee, of Lubbock, and Paula Waldrop of Odessa; brother-in-law Don Malone of Beloit, WI; 2 nieces and 5 nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Freelance Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 926, Stanton, TX 79782, or to a charity of your choice.