OBITUARIES

Michael Wayne Reiss


April 28, 1947 – October 4, 2020

Michael Reiss, 73, son of Calvin and Alice (Phariss) Reiss, passed away on October 4th, 2020 at his home in Anadarko, OK.
He lost the love of his life, Evelyn, this past January. He was calm in adversity, devoted to his family and had an incredible work ethic. He was always the proponent of deliberate action, and reflection.
He started his career with Evelyn by his side, serving in the United States Navy, learning computers in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Computers and IT would be a passion of his for the duration of his life. He served on the USS Midway, the largest aircraft carrier ever built at the time. He would talk about his time in the Navy, always followed by how excited he was to return home from sea to Evelyn. At the time, he helped develop and worked on computer systems that were unique to the U.S. military, but his systems would spread across the country.
He, Evelyn and Eric would move to Dallas, Texas where he worked on his computer systems being employed by banking systems and beyond.
Humility was a staple of his personality. He just didn’t seek the spotlight, and preferred being in the background pushing us all forward.
In 1975, Mike and Evelyn returned to Apache, Oklahoma, where he worked his family farm, and raised his family. He would be called back to computers, working at Fort Sill with their banking system until he retired.
As much as Evelyn was outgoing, Mike was the calm, steady and patient force she needed for balance. He wasn’t threatened by her ambition, but supported her in every way, even becoming a paralegal to assist her once she became an attorney.
He simply loved her totally, completely.
Anyone who knew him would tell you: he was a good and decent and hardworking and intelligent and humble man.
He is survived by his son Eric Reiss, and wife Karen, and his granddaughter Evangeline.
Graveside services will be held Friday October 9, 2020 at 1:00 pm at the Fairview Cemetery in Apache, OK.
Services under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Anadarko, OK.

Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at: www.smithfuneralservices.com

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