Michael Joe Zulkey (Big Mike) passed away peacefully in his home on February 7, 2026, at 82 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peggy Rigsby Zulkey and Leroy Zulkey.

Mike was born on April 26, 1943, in Glendale, California. The family eventually moved to Oklahoma where he graduated from Edison High School in Tulsa.  He attended Oklahoma State University before enlisting in the Air Force where he was a telecommunications officer in Ankara, Turkey. After his time in the service, he went on to graduate from Northeastern State University with a degree in education.

On November 7, 1970, he was married to his loving wife, Marsha Standridge Zulkey in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They were married 55 years. With the support of his wife, he went on to coach football, one of his favorite things in life, as well as wrestling. He was an avid Oklahoma State University fan and made some excellent barbecue. One of his lasting legacies is Big Mike's Secret Sauce, which was enjoyed by the whole town of Valliant.

He is survived by his wife, Marsha; his siblings, Minta Tauer of Tulsa, OK, Martha Zulkey of Tulsa, OK and Mark Zulkey and wife, June of Hemphill, TX.

He is survived by his children, Shawn McReynolds of Sallisaw, OK, Chad McReynolds and daughter, Taylor and fiancé, Tiffani Eaton of Sallisaw, OK, Missy and Jason Lincoln of Haworth, OK, Mendi Cochrane and husband Jim, of Southlake, TX and Michann Heath and husband, Jason of Paris, TX.

He is survived by his grandchildren, Ashlie Echard and husband,  BJ of Ada, OK, Amber McCleskey and husband, Stephen of Valliant, OK, Hannah King and husband,  Riley of Pilot Point, TX, Abigail Cochrane of Southlake, TX, Lane Simpson and wife,  Megan of Valliant, OK,  Jay Michael Heath of Stillwater, OK, Jenna Beth Cochrane of Southlake, TX, and Tyler Heath of Paris, TX.

He is survived by his great grandchildren, Sadie and Wade McCleskey and Evie and Emma Echard, as well as a host of family and friends, including his long time caregiver and personal friend, Gary Ward.