Robert Michael “Mike” Wales, age 73 of Lawrence, passed away December 2, 2024. Mike was born January 6, 1951 in Lawrence, Kansas to parents Clarence Robert Wales and Frances Elaine Miller Wales. He was a graduate of Lawrence High School and also attended school in Perry and Williamstown where he played football and basketball. Mike was also a graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1989. He also married Terry Bernier and they were together many years before divorcing. Mike also was very proud of his service in the United States Air Force where he served and retired after 14 years. During this time, Mike served in Guam and also at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma during Desert Storm. He also traveled to Haiti a number of times as a missionary for River City Church. Mike, in more recent years worked as an English language teacher in Zheng Zhou, China. He was very fond of the many students and friends he made in China. It was also during this time that Mike met HongMei Hu “Mary” and they were married in 2012.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Clarence, sister, Marla Jo Wales and two brother in laws, Alonzo Howard and Randy Wickham. He is survived by his wife, HongMei Hu of the home; mother, Frances; daughters, Mandy and husband Chris Tinch of Topeka and Meredith Mazza and husband Nick of Shawnee, Kansas; one son, Travis Wales of Baldwin, Kansas; four brothers, Randy and wife Leanea of Mclouth, Kansas, Merle, Marvin and Martin of Lawrence, Kansas; three sisters, Brenda Wickham of Yukon, Oklahoma, Marsha and husband Bob Abbott of Mclouth, Marilyn Howard of Lawrence, Kansas and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Graveside services for Mike will be 3:00 P.M. Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Underwood Cemetery in Perry. The family will have a visitation at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas.
To all the Wales family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I pray the Lord will wrap his Loving arms around you all and give you peace and comfort throughout this time.
Holding you all in our hearts. Sending prayers and hugs.
My deepest condolences to the Wales family. I remember Mike from our attendance at church when we were teenagers. My father, Roy Morris, was also a hunting partner with his father. He had an incredible life!
Sad to hear about Mikes passing. He was a nice guy with many hidden talents. It dosent supprise me to hear he was teaching in China. Best wishes to his family.
Prayers for the Wales family. I grew up with them
Prayers to the Wales family. May he rest in peace.
Sorry for your loss.