Michael Lee Verel

Michael Lee Verel

Michael “Mike” Verel, age 53, of Choctaw, OK passed away at home the morning of Thursday, October 17, 2024. He had been battling Parkinson’s for many years and fought hard against this terrible disease.

Mike was a great man and father and loved his family dearly. Mike was born September 28, 1971, to Gloria (Danner) Verel and Archibald “Archie” Verel. Mike’s early years were spent in Norman, Harrah and Tulsa, OK. He went to East Central High School in Tulsa, OK, then moved and graduated his senior year from Moore High School in 1990. Mike enjoyed attending his daughter’s softball games and his son’s basketball games, hunting, fishing and playing catch with his children in the backyard.

He worked many years for K&F Industries, alongside his uncle, Ted. He received his CDL license and then worked as an over-the-road truck driver and eventually for FedEx Freight, a job he loved. Mike never met a stranger, and he truly enjoyed the many conversations with his clients along his route covering Southwest Oklahoma City, Blanchard and Tuttle areas. One of his favorite quotes when off work and passing a familiar delivery spot was “I delivered there”, driving his family crazy. Mike met Brenda (Spencer) Hood via mutual friends in 1997. The couple married on January 28, 2001 in Nicoma Park, OK and they were blessed with two children, daughter, Tatem Nikole and son, Logan Grant.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Gloria Verel; paternal grandmother, Gysberta “Oma” (Vansleeuwen) Verel and grandfather, Adrianus Verel; maternal grandparents, Barbara Ellen (Johnson) Danner and Ronald Dale Danner. He was also preceded in death by special uncles, Leo Verel; Bert Verel; his father’s twin brother, Theodorus “Ted” Verel, Gary Yandle and Richard Wheatley; aunt, Debra Verel; sister-in-law, Kelly Riley; and the cat that loved him the most, “MM’s”.

Mike is survived and forever loved by his wife of 23 years, Brenda June Verel; daughter, Tatem Verel Gordon; son, Logan Verel; son-in-law, Garrett Gordon; mother and father-in-law, Bonnie and Bill Spencer; sister-in-law, Lesa Woodard and family; brother-in-law, Derek Spencer and family; loving aunts, Joyce Yandle, Peggy Anderson, Rosemary Verel, Sissy Wheatley and their respective families; uncle, Robby Verel and wife, Annette; other family, cousins, friends; his dog Stella; and kitties, Jaxx and Josie.

The family would like to thank First Choice Hospice for their tender care.

Friends may greet the family 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Private family services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Services of Harrah. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net