James Michael Emberling

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Healdton – Funeral services for James "Mike" Michael Emberling will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Healdton School Gymnasium, with Rev. Jimmy May officiating and Pastor Aaron Hawn assisting. Interment will follow at Mount Olive Cemetery. The family kindly requests that attendees wear Healdton Bulldog colors in honor of Mike. Services are under the direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Healdton.

Mike was born on September 29, 1958, in Comanche, Oklahoma, to the late Mr. James Elton Emberling and Mrs. Betty Lorene (Pierce) Emberling. He passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024, in Healdton, surrounded by his loving family.

Raised in Healdton, Mike graduated from Healdton High School in 1977 before attending Southeastern University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in education, followed by a master's degree in administration from East Central University. On August 6, 1983, Mike married Mary Winnett, and they built a life together in Healdton. They were blessed with four daughters: Mika, Michelle, Callie, and Maci.

Throughout his career, Mike was a dedicated educator, teaching American History, Psychology, Alternative Education, and drivers' education. His role as "Coach E" profoundly impacted many athletes and students alike. Mike cherished time spent fishing with friends Jay and Rick, serving as the camp host at Healdton Lake, and enthusiastically supporting OU and Cowboy football. He especially enjoyed moments sitting on the porch with K Squared and treasured time spent with his grandchildren at their sporting events. Fridays often found him enjoying poker nights with his friends, known affectionately as "Diddy's Crew," and making daily trips to the Healdton City Hall and Polymate.

Mike will be known for his witty personality, his daily sayings and the best poetry. He was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church but most recently was attending the Hilltop Baptist Church. 

Mike is survived by his daughters, Mika Tinline and her husband Mike, Michelle Emberling and her fiancé Laramie, and Maci Tripp and her husband Zach; his beloved grandchildren, Addelyn, Evelyn, Mccray, Jaxi, and Tatum; his granddog, Veda; his sister, Carolyn Tiner and her husband Gary; and numerous in-laws, Linda Kemper, Calvin Winnett and wife Joy, Jerry Winnett and wife Cheryl, Melvin Winnett and wife Gloria, Tommy Winnett and wife Veronica, and Vera Winnett; canine babies, Bambie and Thumper; bonus sister, Pat Martin and husband Gary and their family; cousins and friends who loved him greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Emberling on April 15, 2024, and his daughter Callie Emberling.

Pallbearers for the service will be Jay Turner, Tom Worsham, Rick Aikman, Scott Cunningham, and Zack Smith. At the graveside, Mike Tinline, Zach Tripp, Corey Tiner, Kevin Martin, Terry Shaw, and Scotty Christian will serve as pallbearers. Honorary bearers include Gary Martin, Gary Tiner, Lynn Tripp, Mccray Tripp, Landon Tiner, Claude Swain, Kay Watson, Kim Price, Eddie Armstrong, Dennis Idleman, all Diddy’s Crew members Terry Josey, Rodney Gaither, Cody Kappel, and Sticks, Healdton City Hall employees, as well as teachers, coaches, and staff from Healdton schools.

Visitation will take place Wednesday evening from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Healdton.

Memories of Mike can be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.