Michael Thomas Scanlon was born October 27, 1946, in Tulsa, to Herbert Thomas and Martha (Whitling) Scanlon and passed from this life Monday, October 16, 2023, at the age of 76 years, 11 months and 19 days.  Mike accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior as a young man and he kept the faith.

Mike grew up in Tulsa.  His father was a lab technician for Sun Oil Refinery and his mother was a registered nurse.  Mike attended Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa, graduating in 1964.  He played football in high school until he got hit by "Big John Kennedy" and that pretty much convinced him that football was not for him.

After high school, Mike attended and graduated from Northeastern A & M College of Miami.  Then, during the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.  Mike served in the Air Force for four years wth active duty oversees in Japan and Korea.

After the military, Mike wanted to become a Highway Patrolman.  His Dad encouraged him to become a dispatcher first, which he did for two years.  He applied for Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy and was accepted into the ten-week training program.  At the age of 26 he began his career as an Oklahoma Highway Patrolman where he served for 30 years.  After retiring as a patrolman, Mike became self-employed as a safety consultant for six years.

Mike also worked as a Security Patrol Officer for Dillard's Department Store in Oklahoma City.  That is where he met the love of his life, Pam Penner, who was working in the cosmetic department at that time.  Mike and Pam shared the same birthday, so it was only fitting that they were married in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, on October 27, 1991.  They called this day their "Birthaversary".  Mike and Pam enjoyed taking many cruises and bus tours to places such as New England, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon.  At the family holiday celebrations, Mike always had many fascinating stories from his highway patrol days to share with his nieces, whom he loved dearly.

Mike was heart-broken at the death of his wife, Pam.  He longed for the day when he could join her in heaven.

Mike is survived by his brother-in-law, Jim Penner and wife, Elaine of Weatherford; nieces and their husbands and children, Erin and Matt Bernett and Carter of Colleyville, Texas, Tisha and Todd Franz and Sawyer and Rawley of Oklahoma City, and Kyler Roper and Logan of Bixby.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a niece, Shae Penner; and a great-nephew, Asher Roper.

Memorial contributions may be made to:  Oklahoma State Trooper Association, PO Box 852160, Yukon, OK 73085.