Michael O'Connor

Michael O'Connor
Michael Francis O'Connor, 58, was born in Chicago, Illinois on New Year's Day 1966, a fitting day for someone who preferred to avoid the spotlight. As a baby, his parents moved to "God's Country" aka Minnesota. A rambunctious kid, Michael found order and purpose when he enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating high school.
Michael served his country with honor and pride for six years, leaving the Marine Corps in 1991 as a Corporal, including being stationed in Okinawa, Japan - where he smoked cigars, drank rice lagers, and befriended a chimpanzee. It was in the Marines, while serving as a military police officer, that Michael found his life's calling of public service. In 1990, mid-way through his time with the Marines, he had his daughter, Sarah, followed by his son, Whitley, in 1992. After leaving the military, Michael reluctantly found his way to Oklahoma, which he came to (mostly) love.
In 2000, while working as a prison guard and training search dogs, Michael met the love of his life, Carry. Together, they settled in Ada, where Michael eagerly joined the Ada Police Department. He was proud to serve his community, and he was good at it. A natural protector, Michael served on the Board of the local FOP, conducted firearms instructions, and trained to support the APD in various capacities from hostage negotiation to domestic violence intervention. And after 20 years of service, he had risen to the rank of Detective Captain.
Michael was proud of his faith, and he and Carry were active in the Church. Michael served as a Deacon and Board Member at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church for many years before becoming a member at Crosspointe Church, working on their security team. He attended church religiously. Every Wednesday and Sunday, you could find him serving donuts and coffee or attending Bible studies. Michael was passionate about his faith and service to the Church.
Michael was a proud Christian, police officer, Marine, and Irishman – probably in that order. He was an even prouder husband, father, and friend. And he was good at that too. He lived a very active life, one that often left his children jealous and wondering how he and Carry had so much PTO. He relished trips to "grandpa's cabin" in Wisconsin to visit family and frequent adventures with his close friends. He enjoyed a cold beer at the lake, home improvement projects, and, oddly enough, the rapper Pitbull.
An introvert who was humble to his core, the community he leaves behind is a testament to his character, warmth, and kindness. Captain, Mike, dad, O'Connor, pickle. He wore a lot of hats and cherished them all, as our memories with him will be cherished in return.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Sandy O'Connor. He is survived by the love of his life: Carry O'Connor; Siblings: Billy (and Lynn) O'Connor and Katie (and Rob) Rude; Children: Sarah (and Max) Hill and Whitley (and Ranya) O'Connor; and his cherished friends: Jason and Wendy Potter, Michael and Katy Perez, and Luke and Ronna Clark that he and Carry built a life – and compound – with.
Public visitation will be Friday, October 11 at Criswell Funeral Home from 5-7pm. Michael's life will be honored and celebrated at 10am on Saturday, October 12th at Crosspointe Church in Ada, Oklahoma, followed by a grave-side service at 5 Mile Cemetery in Allen. His hatred of crowds was as notorious as his love for his community, so all who knew him are welcome. If anyone deserves a crowd, it's him.
Michael was so proud of the work his son and daughter-in-law did with people experiencing homelessness. So in lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donation to their nonprofit, The Curbside Chronicle. https://www.thecurbsidechronicle.org/donate