Memorial service for Mike Vasquez will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026 in Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mike Vasquez, age 74, of Lawton, died Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at his home.

Mike Vasquez was born in Gellenhausen, Germany, to Christine and Manuel Vasquez on April 23, 1952, the same birthday as Shakespeare. His given name was Michel Franz. He didn't make his appearance solo; he was the older twin to Frederick George (gay-org). When the family sailed from Germany to America, the names were Americanized to Mike Frank and Fred George. Bill Lee joined the brothers a few years later, completing the family.

Mike attended Lawton schools. If there was a sport, he played it. He liked to say that all his teams were winning teams. Some of his teammates who are here today can chime in about that.

After Lawton High, Mike attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, graduating from Cameron in Social Science and Physical Science. He earned his master's in counseling and psychology from Weatherford.

Mike began teaching in 1975. He taught World History, American History, Oklahoma History, and driver's ed to literally thousands of students in his 30-year career. While chairing the History Department, he also coached several sports—football, basketball, track and field. Being awarded Teacher of the Year in 2000 was one of his proudest accomplishments.

During those years, he was also the voice of KSWO sports. His side hustle at Moto Photo gave him a chance to learn how to develop photos. That led to a love of photography. For years, he took pictures of Proms and athletic events for his students.

After retirement, Mike picked up a few more jobs. He worked at La Quinta, the Truman Center on Post, and Eagle Systems. Also, he worked as a guard at GEO Prison, where he had many acquaintances on both sides of the bars. He began a lawn service that he named One Man. His most recent job was with Splash Pools.

All his life, Mike enjoyed fishing, photography, running, and being outside in any capacity. He had a special love for kids, old people, and dogs. Once you were Mike's friend, you were his friend for life.

Mike is survived by his wife Sharon, brother Bill and his wife Cindy; daughters Hannah and her husband Thomas; Beth and her husband Jerry; Emily and her husband Jason; grandchildren Jordan, Maximilian, Langley, Phillip, and Ragnar; and the family dogs, who called him Papa.