Mike was always trying to help me conquer my fear of falling with exposure therapy.

Trying to think about one or two memories from a lifetime of looking up to Mike is impossible, but after giving it a lot of consideration, this one pretty much sums up how Luke and I always felt. 

When we were on vacation once, Mike made a piece of toast in the morning for breakfast. Luke and I immediately wrote down everything about the preparation of said toast (toaster setting, plate used, etc.) and were thus convinced that toast could be made NO OTHER WAY ever again. After all...however Mike did it HAD to be the best way possible.  That followed for everything. I had to have the same holster Mike used, the same wrestling shoes Mike wore, I had to drink a Shiner Bock as soon as I turned 21.

Mike was that kind of guy. He wasn't just a role model in martial arts,  he was a role model for everything in my life. Being a Christain, a husband, a father, a fighter, so many of my current values are shaped by conversations we had because I have always wanted to be just like him. 

Mike shaped the path of my entire adult life, and I will miss him. 

- David Cagle

Where do I even begin?
You will be missed in so many ways. We lost so much time between us because of unforeseen circumstances, but you were always the brother I had always wanted, and whenever I needed you, you were there for me.
I remember all my girlfriends asking if you were going to be around when they came over. They all wanted to meet the "sexy Tom Selleck" brother! That always made me laugh.
But more than anything, I remember the gentle giant you were—always kind, always smiling, and always making people feel welcome.
I remember like it was yesterday when you told us you were going to propose to Karen with a skywriter. You were so excited, and then you couldn't wait to tell us that she had said yes. That joy on your face is something I'll never forget.
There are so many memories to cherish, and so much time between us that I wish we could have had. I find comfort in believing we'll make up for that someday in heaven.
I will always love you.
Your sister,
Amy

Well I’m not very good at this  I met  Mike Mathews when I was 16 years old Tulsa Oklahoma working for SHO selling circus tickets he came rolling up in a silver Corvette looking all suave  I was like man that’s a cool cat so we start talking you and then from that day on for 47 years we were best friends and brothers that man was there for me every single second of  47 years ain’t nobody like that if there is I don’t know them 

 I remember time we were working out and he got done with his set  and we’changed some plates out and I sat down in my he turned around and looked at me and he said listen this was back when he was  serving papers and he turned around and looked at me you Mike I went to a  lawyer‘s office the other day and l this girl at the desk he said I’m gonna marry her and I just started laughing I was like what the F are you talking about because you know back then we didn’t think like that but he gave me that look and I knew I better get in line I said OK he said yeah I think  I’m gonna marry her I said OK well you listen if you see a woman and you know you wanna marry her you’re a lucky man I said does she know that he said no I don’t think she but she  just laughed I’ll be damned if two years later they didn’t get married that was Karen and I was the best man at their wedding one of the biggest honors I have ever had  in my life 

of course you don’t know that then when you’re just a kid oh you sure do now I got 100 stories I could tell but I just wanted to finish with this Mike Mathews was the greatest man I  have ever met that my friends is the end of the story 

Michael BIG TUNA Mathews I will see you in the next life you’re my friend and my brother

 YUMBO 


Michael T. Bean

My first memory of Mike was before we ever met. My wife and I were house shopping, slowly driving by whom would be our future neighbors, the Mathews. They were taking a family walk. Maybe we were driving too slowly but I recall Mike being very observant.  I later learned Mike’s first nature was ensuring people around him were loved and protected.  We were fortunate that God led us to the Mathews, neighbors for 9 years.

Mike consistently put Christ first in everything he did. He led people to Christ, created opportunities for worship, and faithfully served his church. He prayed for and with us. He inspired and influenced my and my family’s faith journey. Together with Karen, they influenced decisions we made for our children. We are forever grateful.

He was humble, generous, steadfast, and confident. As a student, I once asked him, “Why do you do this for us?" I was unskilled and ordinary. He said, “because others did it for me.”  He was a master in his arts beyond what anyone could imagine. I’m grateful for his leadership, his time, and for the brothers in Christ I met through him. As a young father, he provided fatherly wisdom and reassurance, and I saw countless examples of his generosity towards others.

I loved his stories, jokes and his smile. He was an amazing Man, bigger than life and will always hold a special place in my heart and a lasting impact on the countless people who knew him. Without a doubt, God welcomed him into heaven, saying, “Well, done my faithful servant.” What a legacy to leave. 

Until we meet again in Heaven, miss you, thank you, and love you!

The Lord blessed us so greatly when we became neighbors with the wonderful Mathews family. Little did we know what a lasting impact they would have on our family. 
Mike and Karen inspired us to pursue a Christian education for our kids, which we otherwise would not have. We are eternally grateful! 
I always loved that our garages faced each other, so we often had the pleasure of running into the family, even just in passing. Their kindness from day one was always comforting. 
Mike’s warmth, smile, generosity and genuine caring were really something special, and we will forever be grateful the Lord brought him, Karen, Taylor and Christian into our lives.

Mike and I began working together almost 30 years ago.  Mike’s expertise was Sales and Marketing, and Operations was my responsibility.  We enjoyed the teamwork, and soon we retained those roles as partners in other businesses.  For well over two decades, we were in conversations and meetings almost every business day, addressing the many opportunities and challenges entrepreneurial small businesses face.  Even after working virtually became the norm, we were in contact during business days, often talking for an hour or two.  In reflection, I do not recall what might be regarded as an argument, probably due to his patience!  Of course we had different viewpoints, but more importantly we held an overriding respect for each other.  We also had fun, for example inside jokes – “brink and verge” – Mike would appreciate including this!  

As his illness began filtering into business situations, his reactions created enough confusion (or more accurately his lack of reactions), that I became concerned he was upset with me.  I scheduled a lunch and asked him directly if that was the case.  Mike responded “Why would I be upset with you?”  

As I consider our relationship, the word that resonates the most is trust.  I had a very rare version of complete trust in Mike.  That trust formed a unique business partnership.  Now I sometimes wonder how life would be different if…  Since we cannot change how the last few years unfolded, instead I choose to be overwhelmingly grateful for the times together we did share.  Meeting Mike all those years ago was providential, and I am one of the many who were beyond blessed by his friendship.

Mike’s friends all have the same stories about this legend.  He was a nice man. Loved helping people. He was physically snd mentally strong.  Training and preparation were his loves. Humble to the end.  His unusual skill set was given to the perfect person. Did his work professionally, and never used it for nonsense  or mischief. He loved his family and friends and made himself
available in a selfless way. We loved and respected Mike. He is missed!

I have known Mike for as long as I can remember. The Mathews were my neighbors in Santa Fe Trails and I’ve been blessed to stay best friends with Taylor through adulthood. I love the entire family! 
What I’ll remember the most about Mike is his calm demeanor, welcoming presence, and his charismatic personality. He had a way of making every person feel seen. I remember when Taylor graduated with her master’s degree, I hesitated to speak out loud about a memory I had with her in a large group setting because I felt I missed my window of opportunity. Mike noticed this and made sure to ask me directly if I had anything I wanted to share, which just shows how kind he was, and I really appreciated it. Taylor and Christian had a wonderful father, and Karen a loving husband, who impacted so many people in a positive way. His loss is felt by many, but I know his family feels it the most, and my heart is forever with them.

Mike was such a dear friend and one of my favorite people on the planet.  We worked together for many years and there are so many good memories of those times.  
Mike led a small prayer group in the mornings at one point. He was so intentional with his prayers.  He always asked for a hedge of protection around his family and around us as his work family.  I remember always feeling safe when he was around.  
One story he shared  about Christian  (as a toddler) after Karen reminded  him that he knew not to touch a knife in the dishwasher,  he replied. “I don’t know it, Mama”.  We laughed so hard about it, and continued to use the phrase often around the office and, for me, I still say it in my head all the time. 
I know we will see him again in heaven - but sure wish I could hear his voice again reminding me that all will be well. 
Karen, Taylor and Christian, I pray a hedge of protection around you.  May God’s healing powers wash over you, giving you peace and healing.  Sending love and hugs , Anna Biggs

Dearest Karen,

I’m so saddened to hear about Mikes passing 😭. 
I have so many fond memories of you and Mike, I treasure each and every one of them. You two were not only our beloved friends but prayer warriors, church buddies, our life group, and the ones we loved so much and enjoyed seeing on a weekly basis.. our regular hangouts, trips, and just experiencing life together… I will thank God every time I remember you and Mike and for these cherished times. Thank you for being such wonderful and genuine friends!

Taylor and Christian, What a legacy your dad left in this world, what a mark he left in the lives he touched, including my family … what an inspiration he was to sooo many people, to know him, you were blessed by him. 
“Well done, my good and faithful servant!” ( I can literally hear God speaking the words 😊) 

I remember when your dad went on a mission trip and they had him pack all of the bibles in his suitcase, we were all thinking 😳, including your dad, 😂 God is So Good! 🙏
His life was certainly ordained, set apart, and favored, no doubt! What peace we have knowing he’s in our forever home and it’s never goodbye, but see you later 🙏🙏 🙌🙌  

Hugs to all of you, 
Love you, 
Carrie

Mike lived out the truth of Proverbs 27:17: ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.’ For me, Mike wasn’t just a friend — he was an iron sharpener. Mike sharpened me with truth, with laughter, with loyalty, and with love. He made me a better friend, better Christ follower, a better man. His influence will continue to sharpen me for a long time.

The Mathews have been dear friends of our family for nearly 20 years. Our families spent several Thanksgiving holidays together along with some vacation trips. We shared meals in Dallas, San Antonio, San Diego, etc. Good friends show up during life’s most significant moments, and Mike was there for mine. Karen, you too!

Mike was a safe place for me, a confidant, an accountability partner, praying together countless times. As busy as he was, Mike engaged with you in a way that said I’ve got room for you in my life. He made me feel welcome and invited me into his life. 

I was proud to be his friend, and proud that he was mine. He was my friend when I really needed him. There are 1,000 reasons to miss Mike. He was my pal.

Thank you, Karen, Taylor, and Christian, for sharing Mike with me. He loved you so very much. 

None of us leave this earth unchanged by the people we love. I will simultaneously grieve and celebrate Mike for a long time. Thank you, Mike, for sharpening me. I will carry the edge you put on my life for the rest of my days.

Dustin Manis

PS. Can you hear Mike ordering an Arnold Palmer and grilled chicken over angel hair pasta with extra virgin olive oil? And then saying, "extra virgin olive oil, not EXTRA virgin olive oil."

I always enjoyed the work I did with Mike through the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.  He was a generous man who was happy to be able to make a charitable impact in the community.   He was extremely smart and kind, and we were always excited to hear from him on the phone or catch up with him at an event.  His character, kindness, and generous spirit will be missed!

I met Mike at Teal Creek and as I got to know him through many visits and while visiting with Karen, I saw little glimpses of the amazing man Mike was before his disease process took hold.  He and I would pace the hallways and ride up and down the elevator, mostly in silence, but there were the precious moments of a word here and there and most of all a HIGH FIVE! He never went anywhere without his Bible and even though it became hard for him to make thoughts known to others, one that he was always able to remember was his love of God and God love for him.  Karen, I know he would want you and the kids to know how much he loved you all no matter how hard it became for him to express that to you!  My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time.

Mike was a huge influence on my life. The times we spent writing, working, traveling, and him trying to teach me martial arts was an amazing constant. Wherever we were we always checked in. Looking back at our texts I see that our last interaction was sending him a picture of me in an impulse buy cowboy hat, and him saying, “YEEHAW!” Mike will be so missed, but I know he is up there with his true homie, Jesus. I imagine the first thing Jesus said to him was, “Dude, you’re a lot taller than I expected.”

Mike was the kind of person that helped others because it was the right thing to do. Even when he knew the outcome would not be in his favor. He instilled that steadfast belief in his children, Taylor and Christian. Doing for others because it’s what you do. He would be proud as they have done this, all while keeping watch over him. 

Mikes faith, family and friends were his life. That’s what got him through this nightmare…faith, family, friends. 

We shared tears, fears, a tornado, earthquake and a fire. We had some great adventures and lots of laughter. 

I don’t think I ever really thanked Mike for all that he did for me. 
Thank you buddy. Until we meet again.

I will always remember Mike for his kindness, bigger than life personality and his caring spirit.
 Van and Jim always referred to him as a "Good  Man" 
Love 
Dana

One of our many "Sushi Parties" together. Mike always looked forward to learning how to roll sushi and brought so much laughter and fun to every gathering. I first met Mike and his family at The Sushi Bar, and over the years, they became dear friends. Mike was one of the kindest and most helpful people I have ever known. I am truly grateful for the friendship, memories, and countless laughs we shared. This photo will always remind me of the joy he brought to those around him.❤️

Mike and I met in 1985 by introduction through Chris Fay, one of Tom Haggerty's Goju Ryu Black Belts. Mike wanted to know what I would do if attacked, so I said, "do it and see." He did, and for that angle of attack I applied an Irimi Nage technique. He hit the ground and immediately jumped up and said "Do that again!" So, I did, to the same result. He again jumped up and said: "I gotta have that!" So, he signed up as a student, and over the course of the next year or so he learned the basic curriculum. Normally it would have taken a normal student a minimum of three years to learn that course of study, but Mike did it in about one year. Mike had an intense desire to learn, the physical attributes and the aptitude to learn very quickly. After he earned his Shodan, he was eager to continue his studies, to which, based on his learned skill level, and intense desire to learn, I suggested he study under other instructors such as Danny Inosanto, so he did just that. Danny was impressed with Mike's knowledge and skills and asked who he had studied with, so he told him, and also who my instructor was, Professor Joseph Cowles. So, Danny knew us and who his lineage was from and accepted Mike as his student as well. From that, he continued his training with Danny and many other highly skilled martial artists, such as: Paul Vunak, Terry Gibson, Master Chai, and many others. Over the years, Mike developed a knowledge base and skill level which few have ever accomplished. Mike became a seasoned warrior and martial master to be reckoned with by anyone. Mike was not just my student but a very close friend. He was like a brother from another mother, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Mike was a devoted husband, father, child of God, and Martial Artist of the highest order. "Rest In Peace my Brother, and Lord willing, we'll meet again on the other side, in that heavenly realm." Amen.

So sorry to learn of Mike's passing. 

I was privileged to know Mike, and trained with him often back in the day. He was a talented and accomplished martial artist and  contributed a lot to my development in the arts. He was always generous with his time and knowledge.

Unfortunately we lost contact through the years and so I was unable to keep up with his activities and the growth of his family, but I have no doubt that everyone Mike knew has wonderful memories of their time with him, as do I.

My condolences to Mike's family and his many friends. He will be missed.

John Haynes
Vienna, Austria

Every Sunday Mike would greet me and Casey at ECC and promptly take PJ from my arms. He would hold PJ throughout praise and worship and into service until he got fussy. At Community Group, he would feed him and hold him and PJ gave Mike the biggest smiles only PJ could do. He had purpose and you could see that as he cared for PJ.  Mike made such a positive impact in so many lives. He is the reason our boys went to OCS. The Short family is better having had Mike in our lives.

Im so sorry for your loss I worked with Mike at SHO and Associates he was a great boss and great person 

Lucinda Mastin

OBITUARY

Michael Lee Mathews

August 4, 1961 – June 1, 2026

Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home At Sunny Lane Cemetery

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