Michael W. McCall

   Michael “Mike” William McCall (8I) passed away peacefully, on Friday, the 13th of September 2024 at his beautiful home in Wamego, Kansas the day after his birthday. Michael was born in Rushville, Nebraska, to Richard and Virgina McCall, being raised in the First Christian Church. During his youth, he was an outstanding athlete, actively involved in football, basketball, and track. At the top of his class, he was a scholarship recipient of both academics and athletics. 

    After high school, Michael married Virginia Sue Reed on January 29, 1967. Together they had three beautiful daughters; Marilyn Dohogne, Claire Mull and Rebecca McCall. Michael attended the University of Wyoming, in Laramie, earning both his undergraduate and master’s degree in law.

    For the next eleven years, Michael practiced law in Cheyenne, Wyoming, served as Attorney General, and was a Bishop for the Episcopalian Church. In the late eighties, Michael expanded his law firm, moving to Sacramento, California. Michael’s expertise in water rights and bonds led his career internationally, working in China and Korea, and writing bonds for Universities. In 2003, Michael retired as an attorney, moving to Garden City, Kansas to be close to his younger daughter, Rebecca McCall and her family. 

    While residing in western Kansas, Michael enjoyed working for Animal Health International until 2016 when he relocated to Wamego, KS to be with Rebecca McCall and her family again. The next few years were filled with watching his grandchildren playing high school sports and taking on the position as Executive Director for the Wamego Community Foundation (WCF), in 2017. He was instrumental in revising and modernizing the foundation's bylaws and the strategic redesign of its online presence through the WCF website. 

    Michael’s dedication earned him the Chamber of Commerce Impact Award, an award established to recognize individuals that significantly enrich the fabric of Wamego and symbolizes the commitment to community betterment. Mike officially retired in February 2024, at the age of 80. He spent the last year of retirement enjoying the simple pleasures of life, watching politics and sports, lending his knowledge to those in need and proudly witnessing his grandchildren grow into young adults. Mike was also looking forward to becoming a great grandfather in October 2024.

    Michael was known for his deep love and connection to the outdoors and nature. An avid hunter and fisherman, he spent countless days exploring the wilderness of the United States. His passion for adventure took him on a memorable African safari in the 1980s, a trip he often reminisced about. Mike was also a dedicated fisherman, casting his lines in waters across the world, from the quiet streams of Alaska, to the far reaches of distant countries. 

    More than anything Mike cherished time spent with his family and particularly his grandchildren. They were the light of his life along with his nephews and niece. Whether teaching them how to fish or hunt, or simply enjoying their company, his love for them was evident every moment they shared together. Mike also loved to share his passion and knowledge of sports with his grandchildren.

    Michael is survived by daughters Marilyn Dohogne (Mark), Claire Mull (Brett), and Rebecca McCall; Nephews and nieces: Joshua McCall, Christopher McCall, and Chelsea McCall Grandchildren - Wyatt Patterson (Briana), Clay Patterson, Bristol Mull, Aubrey Braun (Chad), Thomas Preston, Sofia Preston, Adam Dohogne, Luke Dohogne. Great grandchildren - a grandson to be born in October 2024. 

    Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Virginia McCall, brothers Richard (Dick) McCall, Don McCall, and sister, Nancy McCall. Nephew-Brandon McCall. Grandson, Jacob Dohogne. Great Grandchild-Hanna Patterson.

    Michael’s celebration of life will be held on the 5th of October 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Rd. and Hwy 24. Prior to the service, the family will be available from 10:00 am until service starts. 

    Following the memorial, lunch will be served at Cross Point Community Church located at 612 E. HWY 24, Wamego, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to honor Mike can be made to Rebecca McCall and those may be left at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.