Michael Lee Yochum was born on April 16, 1944 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to John Henry Yochum and Elsie (Bookout) Yochum.  He was a Porter High School graduate, Class of 1962. He later enlisted in the National Guard.  He married Paula (Gaither) Yochum on June 5th, 1965.  They were happily married for 59 years. They dated for four months before he proposed to her.  He was employed at Braden Winch for 42 years before retiring in 2006.

Michael was a proficient rancher.  He enjoyed raising and tending to his cattle, horses, and mules for many years.  He was a skillful trainer, having years of experience.  He trained mules to pull wagons.  He had the nickname of "mule skinner" on the CB radio.  He had a significant interest in horse racing. With his many years of expertise, he raised and trained many of his quarter and thoroughbred horses, having run many races at Blue Ribbon Downs. Raccoon hunting was a hobby he also enjoyed.

He loved spending time with his family.  Watching sports, especially when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were playing, was something Michael truly relished.   Vacationing in Colorado was always a great enjoyment for Michael; he also enjoyed visiting the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Canada.  In his later years, he enjoyed every opportunity to go to flea markets and garage sales.  He was also known by many to be quite the jokester.

Michael departed this life, on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at Saint Francis Hospital.  Preceding him in death are his parents, John and Elsie Yochum; brothers, Henry Eugene Yochum and Buddy Yochum; sisters, Peggy Judkins, Patsy Wilson, and Mary Sue Tedder.

Surviving Michael are his wife, Paula Yochum of the home; daughter, Shawna Henson and her husband, John of Coweta, OK; daughter, Kendra Ross and her husband, Nic of Porter, OK; 7 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Jacque Daniel of Muskogee, OK; nieces, nephews, and extended family who will cherish the many memories of Michael.

A Memorial Service, celebrating  the life of Michael Yochum will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at The First Baptist Church, activity center in Porter, Oklahoma at 2:00 p.m.  The family invites friends and relatives to share stories and memories.