Michael Udell Byfield

Michael Udell Byfield, 73, of Bartlesville, died Thursday, November 30, 2023, in Bartlesville. Michael was born the son of Geoffrey Udell and Betty Ann (Pittman) Byfield on February 28, 1950, in Bartlesville. He was raised in the area, graduating from College High in 1968. Michael attended Jefferson until 5th grade, before changing to Horace Mann after moving to Keeler Street where he met his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, Rita Rae Nichols. Michael mowed yards until he graduated in 1968. After graduating College High, the couple married May 31,1969 at East Bartlesville Christian Church. The couple moved to Joplin, Missouri where they attended Ozark Christian College until 1970. Michael worked at Dog n’ Suds and Dan Stanley Ford during this time. The couple moved home, where Michael was ordained as a minister at East Bartlesville Christian Church, working as a youth minister and welcoming the birth of their son Sean in 1971. The couple then moved to Tulsa, where Michael attended Tulsa Community College and The University of Tulsa Music Department. It was during this time that he worked for Midwest Graphics (a division of The Printing Center) and Williams Companies (RSC). The couple welcomed their daughter Kristi in 1974 before moving back to Bartlesville in 1977 where Michael worked at The Printing Center. He was promoted to manager shortly before the arrival of their daughter Katee in 1980. The Printing Center was where Michael remained until his retirement in 2013. Michael had a passion for playing the piano. He played for Dewey Christian Church for many years. He loved his family and was a dedicated husband, dad and grandpa/nandad. He loved printing and had the ability to identify the texture and paper by simply rubbing his fingers along the grain. He loved swizzle sticks, M&M dispensers, music, art and oil painting, going on trips; two of his favorites being Woolaroc and happy hour at Sonic. He had a real love for reading and books, he cared for a variety of plants and flowers and had a real knack for color coordination (red and pink being his favorite colors). He loved spending time playing iPhone games, especially chess, with his grandchildren. He had a genuine heart and a loving nature with many calling him dad. He will be greatly missed by all who know him. Michael is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Rita; children, Michael Sean Byfield and Jennifer Fields, Kristi Leigh Byfield and Ben Davies, and Kathleen Elisa Byfield and Michael Kern; aunts, Donna Sheridan and Patty Ann Whiteman; grandchildren, Michael Lukas Byfield, Gray Byfield-Davies and Eva Byfield Davies; and a host of other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and lifelong college friend, Roland Jack Conner. Michael’s family will receive friends on Monday, from 6-8 p.m. at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel, 918-333-7665, 4201 Nowata Rd, Bartlesville. Michael’s memorial book will be available for signing on Monday from 11-8, and Tuesday 9-11. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ozark Christian College, 1111 N. Main, Joplin, MO 64801. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, 2 p.m., at the Ball “Outlaws Cemetery,” Childers, OK with Rev. Wade Daniel officiating. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Michael Udell Byfield

February 28, 1950 - November 30, 2023