The sudden unexpected loss of Mike McGaha has resonated throughout Oklahoma and the immeasurable number of lives he’s touched including family, friends, students, players, co-workers and those blessed to have met him. His love for God, his family and people in general was evident in everything he did. He exemplified what it means to be a good Christian man and lived his life leading by example and serving others. He was a natural educator and coach and used his gift to truly make a difference in the lives of not only his students and players but those he mentored as well as he helped prepare them for a future filled with possibilities beyond their own expectations.
Services for James Michael “Mike” McGaha, 77, of Ada are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Central Church of Christ; Jack English and Jaymeson Kennedy will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery.
Mr. McGaha passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2024 surrounded by family in Ada. He was born February 7, 1947, in Ada to James Houston and Joan Long McGaha.
On July 6, 1967, he married Linda Mae Large in Ada. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree at East Central University and was a Science Teacher and Coach at Seminole State College and High Schools throughout Oklahoma including, Konawa, Stuart, Kiowa, Strother, and Bowlegs.
Survivors are his wife, Linda of the home; three sons, Clint McGaha and wife, Kristen of Byng, Matt McGaha and wife, Mary of Ada, and Jeff McGaha of Ada; one brother, Paul McGaha and wife Zelia of Tyler, TX; two sisters, Judy Hagar and husband, Bill of Ada, and Mollye Haney and husband, Tom of Ada; two grandchildren, Caleb McGaha and Hannah Fortner of Oklahoma City, and Lanie Whitworth and husband, Walker of Byng; one great grandson, Henry Dean Whitworth; and other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and maternal grandparents, Dewey and Ozelle Long.
Bearers are Mark Hagar, Brett Hagar, Luke Haney, Jeremy Danielson, Bill Bailey, and Bill Horne, Jr. Honorary bearers are Tom Stevens, Bill Adams, Ron Taylor and John Wayne Hoggatt.
The family asks those who were blessed to know him to share your memories with us either online via the guestbook or written on one of the cards available at the funeral home at visitation or upon arrival at the service.
Anyone who wishes to make memorial donations, please consider Mike’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
