Michael F. Oxford

Michael Ferris Oxford, age 84, of Gladstone, passed away Tuesday morning, July 5, 2022 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on August 21, 1937 in Detroit, MI, the son of Gene and Cleone (Ferris) Oxford. Mike was raised in Howell, MI and was a 1955 graduate of Howell High School. He went on to further his education at Ferris Institute, graduating with a degree in Marketing in 1959. Mike gained a degree in Secondary Education in 1960. He began his teaching career on Drummond Island where he taught 6th grade for two years. During that time, he was also the basketball coach, Scout Master, and volunteer ambulance driver. Mike then became an Elementary Principal in Big Rapids, MI at Eastwood School in 1963. He married his student teacher, Diane Barnes, on June 25, 1966 in Lansing, MI and together just shared their 56th wedding anniversary. During that summer, Mike also earned an Elementary and Special Education Certificate. Mike and Diane moved to Barryton, MI in 1967 to teach special education. They welcomed their son, Michael S., in 1968 in Big Rapids. In 1969, Mike accepted the position of the Elementary Supervisor and in the fall of 1969, the family relocated to Casper, WY where their daughter, Kelly, was born in 1970. Mike taught Junior High Special Education there for 9 months before moving to Gladstone in June of 1970 where he started the first Resource Room for Special Education in the Upper Peninsula. In 1972, Mike went to work for Central Engineering for 3 years. He returned to education in 1975, eventually becoming Middle School Principal and Special Education Director until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of the Lion’s Club for 15 years, the Elks Club to present, Council of Exceptional Children, and Memorial United Methodist Church since 1973. He was on the board of Foster Grandparents and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Mike enjoyed restoring classic cars and participating in various car shows.

Michael F. Oxford is survived by his wife, Diane Oxford of Gladstone; son, Michael S. (Michelle) Oxford of Escanaba; daughter, Kelly Oxford of Denver, CO; and two grandchildren, Brandon and Breanne Oxford.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Gene Oxford, Jr.

The Oxford family will be having a private gathering. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations please be made to The Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation. 

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