Michael Raymond Bever

Mike's dad was our baseball coach for Broadway Motors, and a few of us had a sleepover at his house during the summer. One of us, maybe me, got up and looked out into the backyard and was convinced it was a bear. All of us rallied around this threat and began to throw things at this dangerous beast. One of us hit it with something metallic and sparks flew. Good detectives, we investigated and discovered the bear was actually a lawn mower left in the yard. We were relieved and laughed and had trouble getting back to sleep. Mr. Bever was a great coach, and Mike and I played together again at Rockhurst High. He was a friend, obviously became a fine man, and I was lucky to know him. My continued sympathies to his family.

Randy Freisinger

I had the good fortune to share an apartment with Mike when we were in college together. Mike was such an upbeat person, so full of life and fun to be around. He was the classic all-around student. Good at everything, Smart and talented, better than most at any sport he played. Well liked by all.

After graduation, Mike enlisted in the Air Force and trained as a pilot. Not long after, he was sent to Vietnam where he successfully completed 100 combat missions, showing his courage and dedication. For this effort, I greatly admired him. In the following years, we lost contact with each other but I never forgot him and the impression he made on me. I regret that I was not able to spend more time with him in his later years.

We did finally connect again a few years ago and he was the catalyst for a small class reunion back at our college, but as fate would have it he was unable to atttend in person due to health issues. I had hoped to visit him in Florida afterwards but never got the chance.

Mike lived a storybook life, with a great wife Char, and a large family. He was a spiritual person at a time when the world needs more like him.

I´ll never forget you, good friend!

May your soul rest in peace.

JohnS

I am deeply saddened to learn of Michael's passing. We were classmates at Rockhurst High School, and, before that, teammates on a baseball team in the 3 & 2 League in Kansas City. His father was our coach, and Michael and several other guys on the team did sleepovers at his house, spent quite a bit of time together, and were close friends in those early years when friendship is so very valuable. As is often too the case, once we graduated from high school, I saw him only a few times over the years at class reunions, but we always re-bonded quickly and I will always value his friendship. His obit is full of proof of life of love and service well-lived. I will keep him in my prayers, and I will also pray that his family and other loved ones will take comfort in the many treasured memories and find peace in their grieving.