Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Michael Lura Obituary
Michael "Mike" Lura, a resident of Gardner, Kansas, passed away on February 22, 2025, at Olathe Medical Center.
Mike always put family first, and was deeply devoted to his wife, Carolyn, and his two daughters: Sara and Erin. He also loved attending events for his grandchildren: Micah, Noah, Delilah, Stella and Sophia.
Mike was born on April 9, 1947, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1968, prior to marrying Carolyn in June 1968. They ended up in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. Mike and Carolyn returned to their hometown of Mason City, Iowa, in 1972, where he used his knowledge from the Air Force and turned it into a career in telecommunications. He started at Northwestern Bell in Iowa, then transferred to Omaha, Nebraska in 1977. After numerous promotions, the family relocated to Olathe, Kansas, in March 1987, where Mike began working for AT&T. He retired in 1998, but continued his work in retirement, drafting telecommunications legislation for the State of Kansas. In 2003, Mike and Carolyn made their final move to Gardner, Kansas. In his post-retirement life, he enjoyed being a Special Education bus driver for First Student for 15 years.
Additionally, in his retirement, Mike and Carolyn lived their life-long dream of traveling in their RV while making numerous trips with family and friends. A few of the locations they traveled to include Alaska, Colorado, and Michigan.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Carolyn Lura. He also leaves behind his daughters, Sara (Chris Marks) and Erin (Chris Meddings), as well as his grandchildren: Micah, Noah, Delilah, Stella, and Sophia. His nieces and nephews knew him as Uncle Mick: Connie, Janet, Amy, Jeff, Amanda, Josh, and Ryan.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Orris and Judy, his brothers, Lyal and Terry, along with his in-laws: Kenneth and Arlene Sweeney, Linda Sweeney, Terry and Nancy Theilen.
Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.
To share a memory of Mike, or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
14275 Black Bob Rd., Olathe, KS 66062
People and places connected with Michael
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Lura
Tell your own story about Michael
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Michael Lura's name
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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor Michael Lura's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
