Michael Dean Jayroe

Michael Dean Jayroe, 70, passed away March 23 at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City after a brief and unpredictable illness took him away far too early. His family is devastated but knows that even Heaven can be made a little bit better when someone like Mike arrives. He joins his parents, Alta Ann and Robert Durward Jayroe, in a glorious, long-awaited reunion.

Mike was his family’s rock, a stable influence throughout his three children’s and five grandchildren’s lives. He was a doting husband to his wife of more than 45 years, Jane. She says it was love at the moment they first locked eyes at a “party” that was actually a friend’s ruse to set the two up. He was a little brother to Bobby (Robert Jayroe Jr.; wife Kathy Jayroe) and Debbie (Debbie Aduddell; husband Randy Aduddell). He and Jane raised three wonderful children together: Crystal Ann Jayroe Raymond (husband Jeff); Lisa Michelle Riley (husband Dylan); and Bradley Michael Jayroe (wife Megan). And most recently, he was a wonderful “Pawpa” or “Bop” to his grandchildren Bennett Michael and Theodore James Raymond of Edmond, OK; Camden Jon and Margot Michelle Riley of Prosper, TX; and Julia Mae Jayroe, also of Edmond, OK. He was also a beloved uncle to several nieces and nephews, and a friend to all.

Mike grew up in the dry-cleaning business, working at Rightway Cleaners, a local landmark at NW 50th and Portland. He took over from his father in 1991 until closing the cleaners in 2016. Generations of Oklahomans grew accustomed to Mike’s warm, unhurried manner of small talk and genuine smile. When he talked to you, it felt like you were the only person in the world who mattered, the only person he wanted to be talking to. This is a rare gift, and Mike deployed it to perfection.

He spent the last nine years as a mail carrier, where he became known for his friendly nature and the connections he built along his route.

He was a true people person who took pride in his work.

We will always miss our beloved Mike.

Visitation will be Thursday at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home at 14624 N May Ave., OKC, OK 73134, with family present from 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, followed by burial at Memorial Park Cemetery