Michael Louis Bedford, 71, was born on September 19, 1952, in Denison, Texas, the son of Ben and Bobbye Bedford. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Tully Bedford, Deborah Strange and Dawn Ketchum.

Mike had a deep love for gambling and was always an outlaw from a young age. He dropped out of high school with a dream of being a jockey. He was only 5ft and 90 pounds as a 16-year-old but by the time he was 17 he grew 9 inches and gained 30 pounds. His jockey career came to a halt.

Mike was a member of a biker gang for many years, traveling by motorcycle to Sturgis several times before his daughter was born in 1986. He slightly settled down his rambunctious lifestyle and began driving a truck to keep a steady meal on the table. Even though that was not his true passion, he'll always be known as a being a professional game cock fighter for over 30 years, winning tournaments all over the Texoma area. He loved to teach people about the art of fighting roosters too. He made many friends through the game bird industry. He took pride in breeding game roosters and once sold a rooster for $12,000.

Beyond fighting chickens, Mike loved to be competitive, whether it be a game of pool, horseshoes or dominos. He thoroughly enjoyed winning and making connections with people through competitiveness.

Mike was very proud of his Choctaw culture and this year was his first year to miss the Labor Day Festival in over 46 years. He competed year after year in the horseshoe tournament and won several times throughout.

Mike fought a long hard battle with cancer for 9 years, determined to outlive and take care of his beloved best friend and Aunt Dorothy Jean. Once her time ended, he asked "What do I do now?" He truly fulfilled his duty to her. Mike will be missed by his community of pool sharks, bikers, breeders and family alike.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Bobbye Jean Carter and husband, Kent of Finley, OK; grandchildren, Hannah and July; nieces, Misty Strange of Antlers, OK and Brandi Bedford of Grandview, MO; nephews, Brule Bedford of Phoenix, AZ and John David Ketchum and family of Colorado Springs, CO; great nephew, Blade Strange and family of Antlers, OK and great niece, Catlyn Strange of Antlers, OK along with a host of other family, friends and loved ones.

The family will have a private service.