Michael Duane Gayman passed from this life and entered eternal life on April 6, 2022 at the young age of 59. He is loved by his family and proudly held the titles of husband, dad, son, nephew, brother, uncle and great uncle. He was a wonderful co-worker and great friend to so many.
Mike was born September 1, 1962 in Shawnee Mission, KS the son of Duane and Shirley (Gilliland) Gayman. He grew up in Schell City, Missouri and graduated from Schell City High School class of 1980.
Shortly after High School Mike joined the United States Marine Corp. to serve his county. In the mid 80’s Mike began his law enforcement career with Tulsa County Sherriff’s office, and worked at the Mayes County Sherriff’s office before joining the Joplin Police Department in 1999. He served the Joplin community for 20 years. Mike retired from JPD in January 2019 but returned to the City of Joplin as an Airport Police Officer where he was serving the community upon his death.
Mike was married to Rona (Clark) Gayman on August 18, 2001 and became a step father to Austin Riley Carter. On September 22, 2002 Cole Michael Gayman was born and their family unit was complete. Mike was so proud of Austin and Cole for the young men they were becoming. Austin is serving our country in the Air Force, stationed in Omaha Nebraska and Cole as a baseball pitcher his freshman year of College at MSSU.
Mike was raised on a small farm in Vernon County and never lost his love for the outdoors. He loved playing and watching sports of all kinds. When he had time off you could probably find him hunting, fishing, golfing, coaching, playing or watching sports. Mike was very active and loved working out and running to stay fit. He loved his family. Most weekends you could find he and Rona at the baseball field watching the boys play ball. Waiting at home for him was his little Boo Bear. Boo had Mike’s daily routine memorized and knew exactly when he would be home. Boo was his shadow. She loved to run with him or just lounge around the house. They were buddies.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Duane & Shirley Gayman and brother Sgt. Steven Gayman.
Mike is survived by his wife Rona (Clark) Gayman and son’s Austin Carter and Cole Gayman. His sister Lisa Wittman and husband Mike. Niece Lindsey Hoftender and husband Tyler along with their children Mila and Micah Hoftender. Nephew Officer Logan Bowline and his girlfriend Andrea Halcomb, nephews Austin Gayman and Tyler Gayman, and many, many cousins, aunts and uncles.
Funeral services for Michael Duane Gayman are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City, MO. Services are scheduled for Monday April 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Christ’s Church of Oronogo. 22145 Kafir Rd., Oronogo, MO. 64855. Burial will follow the service at Mount Hope Cemetary, Webb City, MO.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 – 2:00 prior to the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be given to the MSSU men’s baseball team.