Michael George Waldrip

April 19, 1949 – April 3, 2022

Michael was born to Ted and Louise Waldrip in Lubbock, TX. They moved from Lubbock to Phoenix, AZ in 1960, and then to Flagstaff, AZ in 1961. They then moved to Scottsdale, AZ in 1965, where Mike attended and graduated from Coronado High School in 1967.

Married Paula (Meckstroth) in November 1968. Michelle was born in 1969 and Denise followed in 1978.

He had various jobs in the Phoenix area until they moved to Casper, WY in 1975 where he went into business with his father and brother in Sunrise Roustabout Service. He continued to work in the oil field in one way or another until his retirement in 2014, including offshore drilling off the west coast of Africa for 7 years.

After his retirement, he spent a lot of time travelling to Las Cruces, NM to spend time with his mother and family. After Paula’s retirement in 2017, they travelled much of the United States, visiting new and familiar sights, and lots of family. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, various health issues arose, so travelling was limited, but it was something that they enjoyed when they could.

Mike was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, and was very active with Paula at Asbury United Methodist Church in Odessa. Much of his time was spent in maintenance and remodeling of the building over the years. He was also very active in the Rainbow’s End Emmaus Community and enjoyed participating in those activities and walks.

He was a very good girl dad with his daughters, teaching them everything from auto-mechanics to football, shooting, camping and supporting them in any of their endeavors. He spent countless hours at choir concerts (Michelle), and theater performances (Denise), as well as any other time he could spend with them.

He was endlessly curious and loved learning new things, as well as being the keeper of all of that knowledge, and passing it along to anyone who would listen. He enjoyed music of all kinds, reading everything he could get his hands on, being outdoors doing anything, and spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Paula of 53 years, his daughters Michelle (Roy) Geer and Denise (Rowdy White) Gentry, his brother Wade (Cris) Waldrip, sister Claudia (Jim) Billings, 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a loving man in all of his relationships, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He had a huge heart and huge laugh, and shared both generously.

Memorials can be made in Mike’s name to the Asbury United Methodist Church Building and Maintenance Fund, 4001 E University Blvd, Odessa TX 79762. Memorial Service and Celebration of Life to be November 26th, 2022 in Odessa, TX. Additional details will be provided at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frankwwilson.com for the Waldrip family.