Michael Ray Columbus Passes Away at 60 in Kiefer, Oklahoma

Michael Ray Columbus of Kiefer, Oklahoma, passed away on May 1, 2017, at the age of 60, greenhillok.com reported. Born on June 25, 1956, in De Queen, Arkansas, to parents Ida Mae Haddock and Nicholas John Columbus of Idabel, his life spanned decades of deep community roots across Oklahoma.

Early Life and Athletic Career

Growing up in Valiant, Oklahoma, Michael eventually attended Jones Academy. There, he excelled on the gridiron as an all-star quarterback for the Hartshorne Miners, drawing recruitment attention from the University of Oklahoma. Beyond football, he stepped into the ring as a boxer on the Golden Gloves circuit in Kansas City. He graduated from Jones Academy in 1974.

That same era brought a permanent personal milestone. In 1972, Michael married Luanna Fox of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. The couple met at Jones Academy and shared 45 years of marriage together.

Family and Community Legacy

Michael retired from Hesselbein Tire of Oklahoma and spent his remaining years living in Kiefer with his wife by his side. Known as a tough, honest person who enjoyed working with his hands, he spent his free time watching football and baseball, alongside a fondness for horse racing and betting on the derby.

He was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas John Columbus, and his brothers, William Lee Columbus and James David Haddock. He is survived by his wife, Luanna Columbus of the home; his mother, Ida Mae Haddock of Idabel; three sons, Michael Anthony Columbus of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lucas Wayne Columbus, and Aaron Ray Columbus of Kiefer; brothers Johnny Ray Columbus and Nicholas John Columbus Jr.; sisters Patsy Columbus, Sharon Columbus, Carol Neasa, and Malena Lewis; granddaughter Sheriah Fox; and three additional grandchildren, alongside numerous nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services and Final Arrangements

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 4, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Green Hill Funeral Home in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017, at the Green Hills Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the Fox Family Cemetery in Hectorville, Oklahoma.