Mike Scales

Mike Scales was born September 2, 1952, in Evansville, Indiana to Virgil Scales and Mary Robertson. He grew up in the country with his mother and a big family of uncles and aunts who raised all their children together as brothers and sisters rather than cousins. This upbringing instilled a strong connection with his family both immediate and extended.

Mike was a mischievous child who gained a reputation as a prankster, a trait that followed him all his life. His sense of humor and charm drew people to him and made him a much-loved associate by all who knew him. He possessed a stubborn streak and strong will, a family trait. Once committed something, he rarely backed down. A two-time cancer survivor, Mike used his strength to fight through his illnesses and still managed to care for his family at the same time. His philosophy was that families do anything for each other. He would drop everything when a family member was in need without hesitation.

Later in life, Mike was often the one to turn to as a caregiver, and he took that responsibility very seriously, putting the needs of those in his care before his own. He often sacrificed his time, money, and health to help his family. Devoted to his children, he worked tirelessly to provide for them and be a source of strength and wisdom.

Mike would go to extreme lengths to help those he loved. His kindness was not limited to family; he was always willing to lend a hand when asked. Open and friendly, Mike would converse with anyone and could make friends everywhere he went. He loved to laugh and could find humor even in the darkest circumstances. He shared his gift for light-heartedness with others and was a source of comfort to many.

Along with his quick wit, Mike was blessed with a keen mind, creativity, and a knack for solving problems that others could not. A tool and die maker by trade, he started his career first at B&D mold and then Constellation Mold where he worked until he retired. His expertise and talent for welding were often sought even after retirement by various associates and companies that he had contact with. He loved to be challenged and was especially good at detail-oriented projects. His curious mind frequently led to him tinkering and creating all sorts of things. One of his favorite hobbies was taking an idea and puzzling over how to make it tangible, which he often could due to his skill in metal and wood working. He built everything from tiny knick-knacks to furniture. There was nothing he couldn’t fix when he set his mind to it.

Before starting his career, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He held the rank of Sergeant and was stationed all over the country. Mike loved to travel and some of his favorite memories were made while traveling and having adventures with his cousin Darcy. It was through Darcy that Mike met the woman would become his wife and the mother to his children, Karen. They were married in September of 1979 in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she resided. Karen relocated to Evansville where they built a life together and raised their children. Mike worked many long hours to be able to provide a wonderful home and opportunities for his family. As a family they took many memorable vacations and as parents they were active participants in their children's interests such as Cub Scouts and dance. Mike took full advantage of his skill with woodworking to help his son with Scouts tradition of the Pinewood Derby and attended every recital for his daughter. Although Mike and Karen later divorced, he loved and supported her for the remainder of her life.

An outdoorsman, he loved to fish especially when he could do it with friends. He had an annual tradition of mushroom hunting that he shared with his daughter, Amber. He enjoyed nature and was very knowledgeable about local fauna. Mike had a green thumb and could grow anything in his gardens. He was famous for his tomatoes, often growing far more than he needed so that he could share them with family and friends. One of his favorite past times was taking drives in the country known as “sunset cruises” with his life-long best friend Chuck.

He loved music and played several instruments. Mike enjoyed teaching his son Steve to play guitar and later his grandsons. Mike also had a talent for art and often worked on projects with Amber. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed every opportunity he got to spend time with them.

Mike passed away on January 24th, 2026, with his children by his side. He was defined by his humor, loyalty to those he loved, and by his kindness. Those left behind will miss him deeply, but his spirit and the memories they shared with him will be treasured for the rest of their lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Robertson and Father Virgil Scales; sister, Peg Sears and her husband, Butch; and ex-wife, Karen Smith.

Mike was survived by his son, Steve Scales (Jackie); daughter, Amber Scales; uncle, Charlie Robertson; sister, Jorita Rugen; cousins, Darcy and Percy Carlton; grandchildren, Brandon, Patrick, and Evelyn Scales; and nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 W. Illinois St, Evansville, IN 47712. Family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, and from 10:00 a.m. to service time at the funeral home on Tuesday. Burial will follow at Alexander Memorial Park.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.