William Michael "Mike" Berney

William Michael Berney (Mike) went to heaven on December 17, 2022 after a well-lived life of 95 years. He passed peacefully in his sleep at his home in Oklahoma City. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Susan Schott Berney, whom he met while coaching her brother Johnny in basketball. Mike was born in Horton, KS to Joseph P. Berney (Jo Jo) and Gladys Lednicky Berney (Nana). They moved to Oklahoma City in 1938 and lived in a grand bungalow style home on 34th Street that backed up to Memorial Park. Mike was number six of seven children, all of whom preceded him in death: Joseph Berney, Jeanette Berney, Marjorie Harrigan, Rosemary Berney, Robert Berney, and Paul (DD) Berney. He attended Bishop John Carroll High School where he was on the basketball team with brothers Bob and DD. He enrolled at Oklahoma A&M before entering the Army. Upon his honorable discharge he joined his father at Downtown Chevrolet, where he rose to the position of General Manager. Mike was proud to have never owned a Ford. When the dealership sold, he enjoyed a second career as a landman. Mike and Susan have been members of Christ the King Catholic Church for 57 years. He was a fixture at 10am mass each week and took great pride in his role as Head Usher and was honored with the Christ the King Stewardship Award in 2018. He also served on the Parish Council and coached school basketball teams. He was known by the congregation as gracious and gentle. And by the ushers as stern and reliable. He enjoyed his Catholic faith and lived as a Christian each and every day. Mike (Dad/Dude) and Susan (Mom) have five children who love him and will miss him dearly. He taught them to keep their elbows off the table, chew with their mouths closed, mow the yard in a straight line, sweep all the way under the kitchen table, and do it right the first time. Moreso, he taught them tremendous love, forgiveness, humility, and hard work. Mike lived a full life but most appreciated time with his family. He was blessed to have thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren, all who loved spending time with their Grandude at scores of family events. They loved to dance with him at family weddings. He never wanted anybody to 'leave so soon' but would walk them out and wave while they drove away. It brings the family great peace knowing that Grandude felt our love. Grandude loved God and his family above all else. He has left a legacy of grace and kindness that are a good example for all of mankind. In recent years, he was able to return to Horton, KS and recalled so many details from his childhood. He was a good storyteller, and some of his stories were actually true. He enjoyed spending time in his yard, which was always perfectly manicured. Grandude always showed up to his grandchildren's sporting events, recitals, and school activities- his great sense of humor in tow. Mike is survived by his wife Susan; his children Carolyn Berney Chancellor and husband Doug; Debbie Berney; William Michael Berney Jr (Michael) and wife Maura; Vi Berney Blalock and husband Tom; and Tim Berney and wife Jacquelyn. Also grandchildren Emily Chancellor Miller (Matt); Erin Chancellor Vestring (Jeff); Jacob Chancellor (Jade); Madi Berney; Kirstin Berney Godat (Holden); Trey Berney; Karli Blalock Altenbern (Ford); Kathryn Blalock; Chase Blalock (Taylor); Will Blalock; Ethan Berney (Hannah); Alex Berney (Blakely) and Joshua Berney. Also great-grandchildren Jack, William, Poppy, and George, and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives whom he was always delighted to see. The world is a better place because Mike was in it. And is lesser because he is gone. Please celebrate his life with us. Prayer Service: Tuesday, December 20 at 7pm. Smith & Kernke, 14624 North May Avenue.Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, December 21 at 10am. Christ the King Catholic Church, 8005 Dorset Drive. Burial to follow: Resurrection CemeteryIn lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church or Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.