Michael Walter Burckel

Born July 26, 1965 passed away May 9th 2014.

Michael was born in Rome, New York on July 26th, 1965; Growing up Michael lived in several different states, as his father Frederick Burckel was transferred from base to base. Michael loved tinkering with cars, playing basketball and played the clarinet in the High School Band. He loved muscle cars, especially Mustangs. His pride and joy was an old 70’s Mustang that he tinkered with and owned for several years. After graduating from Midwest City High School in 1983, Michael followed his father’s footsteps and joined the armed forces, the United States Marines. He was stationed in Hawaii where he finished his military career. Upon returning to the states, Michael lost his mother to an early grave in 1989. Michael was confused and went down a wrong path and made several mistakes that he served a long incarceration to pay for his wrong doings. While serving his 24 years in incarceration he worked on his reform and became a reborn Christian. Michael was released in 2013 and lived a short life before having complications with a major ulcer. During his short life, after his release Michael touched many lives and proved to everyone and himself that he was a devoted Christian and was a changed man. He was involved with the Hands up Ministry, which was playing an active part of his entry back to society. He attended church, twice a week and started over, developing a close relationship with his family. Michael and his sister, Christina Burckel rekindled their brother and sister relationship and spent every Sunday together since his release. Sunday was “Fun day” to him as he enjoyed the time spent with his Sister. Michael had become a humbled, simple man spreading love and goodwill to all that met him. He was described by many as the Gentle giant, since he stood 6 foot 6 tall. Michael started to develop complication to an ulcer that eventually took his life. He is survived by his beautiful Sister, Christina Schubert, Brother’s Wesley Burckel, Mark Burckel and Nephew Christopher Burckel. Memorial services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18,2014 at Bill Eisenhour Northeast Chapel, 8805 NE 23rd St., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.