Mike Oder Obituary
Please share a memory of Mike to include in a keepsake book for family and friends.
View Tribute Book
Michael Lee Oder, beloved husband of Susie and father of Alex, passed away on July 21, 2025. Born in Shelbyville, Kentucky on August 5, 1954, Mike was the son of Frances Williams and Merritt Lee Oder. After graduating from Taylorsville High School, he went on to receive his B.A. from Transylvania University, his M.A. from Western Kentucky University, and his Rank 1 in Administration from Eastern Kentucky University, all of which helped prepare him for a lifetime dedicated to education. He taught and coached basketball at Spencer County High School (formerly Taylorsville High School), served as Principal of Frankfort High School, and retired after 12 years as Superintendent of the Frankfort Independent Schools. He loved taking trips to the boys state basketball tournament with his former players, relaxing on cruises, and playing golf, and would always be cheering for the Cincinnati Reds or the Kentucky Wildcats. As a member of the Kentucky Roadcats RV Club, Mike enjoyed travelling and tailgating to UK football games in his RV. A man of honor and integrity with unshakable faith, he was a member of the Church of the Ascension. Mike was married to his college sweetheart Susan Smith Oder in 1978, who he leaves behind to cherish his memory along with their daughter Alex Oder Amburgey (Matthew) and grandsons Jaidan and Kingston. Also surviving are his nephew Andy Oder (Ann), great-niece Meredith Willard (Zach) and great-niece Kristen Croxton (Jeremy) and great-great-nephews and niece Jackson, Eli, and Emery; and nephew Ken Oder (Paula), great-nephews Mackenzie Oder, and Allen Oder (Taylor), and great-great-niece Ruthie. He was preceded in death by his brother Jim Oder and niece Kelly Ferguson. A memorial service in celebration of Mike's life will be held at the Church of the Ascension at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, July 29th, what would have been his and Susie's 47th wedding anniversary. Visitation will begin at 3:00 pm. Contributions in Mike's memory are suggested to Bluegrass Parkinson's Alliance or the Church of the Ascension. Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Funeral Home and an online tribute is available at rogersfrankfort.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tandy Chenault
September 24, 2025
I knew Jim and Joy and their family. I miss them.
Joe mefford
July 29, 2025
Sorry to learn of Mike´s passing. Enjoyed many games of golf with him. He loved FHS. Praying for the family
Gene Norton
July 29, 2025
I´m sorry to hear of Mikes passing he was a very good and well liked teacher at SCHS when I knew him.( Class of 1986) I also had the pleasure of being taught by his wife "Susie"in 79-80 at MWMS she was also a great teacher. She had a large poster of Tom Seaver and would talk to us about the Reds often. Mike taught us US history and made it fun while still teaching us. He was almost always upbeat and happy and seemed to really like teaching and seeing people learn. I still remember our end of semester test it was 100 questions and was split between 2 days and if you got 100% on the first half you could skip the second half. I was one of four students to do that and he thanked us for making him feel useful as a teacher. He was also a very snappy dresser with the sweaters and blazers and plaid pants that were popular then he did stand out. Again Mrs Oder sorry for your loss. Gene Norton
Jeff Richardson
July 24, 2025
I was lucky enough to have Mike be my head coach my sr year at Spencer Co. He then allowed be to be one of his assistants the year we won the district. He and Susie treated me so well they even took to calling me their son during this time. One of life´s regrets is to lose touch with such special people as life guides you down different paths. Mike was one of the those people that left others better for knowing him. All my love and best wishes go out to Susie, Alex and all his family over this great loss.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Edwin and Lillie Shelburne
July 23, 2025
We are so so sorry to hear about Mike´s passing. Such fond memories we have of him helping us on the farm when he was in high school along with his buddies! Remember how he loved those big meals we would have at lunch time! Our sympathy to Susie and the family.
Lynn Goodlett Shewmaker Class of 82
July 23, 2025
Coach "O" was my coach when I was in 8th grade.. 1978...first year of me playing girls basketball ball..he gave me the nickname of "Bruiser", it has stuck with me all my life. He was a such a great guy and coach. I feel we were all fortunate to know him. My thoughts and prayers to all the family. He will be truly missed.
Craig Goodlett
July 23, 2025
Mike was a great man! He made my experience in high school basketball a great experience! He took care of me! Not having much money at the time he always made sure I was fed after a game and had shoes for the game! I loved him as a coach and a friend!! He will be missed! I think that I speak for everyone that played under Mike that we love you Mike!!
Raymond Snider
July 23, 2025
Condolences & prayers from a 1972 THS classmate
MARTY ALLAN HARP
July 23, 2025
I GRADUATED WITH MIKE AT TAYLORSVILL HIGH SCHOOL IN 1972 ALWAYS ADMIRED HIM AND CONSIDERED HIM A GREAT FRIEND ALWAYS SMILING AND FRIENDLY TO EVERYONE MAY GOD BE WITH SUSIE AND ALEX AT THIS TIME
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
507 W 2nd St, Frankfort, KY 40601
Make a Donation
in Mike Oder's name
People and places connected with Mike
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Mike's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Mike Oder'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
