Kenneth Michael "Mike" Pannell

Mike Pannell entered into the spirit world on August 8, 2021, in Sulphur, Oklahoma at the age of 65. Mike was a long-time resident of Sulphur. He has a very rich background and a lifelong list of accomplishments and public service.

At the age of 17, he made the choice to serve his country. He joined the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Germany. He later enlisted with the Army-National Guard and served in Desert Storm. He retired in 1994.

Following his military retirement, he served as a police officer and fire fighter. He was Assistant Chief at the Davis Police Department and was a firefighter on the Sulphur Fire Department. He collectively served his community for 27 years.
He was dedicated to everything he did. He loved his family and friends, his community, and his country.

Mike enjoyed being out in Mother Nature. After retirement he spent lots of his free time fishing and camping with his dog and appreciating the fresh air. He could sit hours on his back porch enjoying the weather, kicked back and relaxed.

Mike was always sharing stories with loved ones (or who would ever listen). He never met a stranger, just friends he hadn’t met yet. His jokes were never ending. His classic humor, infectious laugh and joyous smile could light up the room. There was hardly a dull moment with Mike around.

He embraced his Native American traditions and beliefs – the importance of faith, family, and culture will be remembered by anyone who knew him and will be forever cherished.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth H. Pannell and Kay McGuire.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dianna Pannell; son, Andy Pannell & Paula of Sulphur, Oklahoma; daughter Shannon Carter and husband Kevin of Ada, Oklahoma; daughter, Mindy Pannell of Sulphur, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Kendall, Kellan, A.J., Zane, Halen, Presley, Aiden, and Lily; great-grandchildren, Xandir, Jasper, and Silas; Brothers Rick Johnson, Kevin Pannell, David Pannell; sisters, Debra Primavera and Laura Schaeffer; Stepmother, Mary Sites; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

He will be greatly missed, but his character and influence are reflected in all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service, honoring the life of Mike, will be held 2:00PM, Friday, August 20, 2021, at the Crossway First Baptist Church in Sulphur.