Michael Wilson Trantham passed away at the age of 67 on January 22nd, 2025 at Cox South Hospital after a brief but intense battle with stage four cancer.

He was born on August 27th, 1957, to Elsie M (Posey) & Rex W Trantham.

Born and raised in Springfield, MO, Michael graduated from Central High School with the class of 1975, playing with the jazz band as a saxophonist. He earned a BA in Political Science from SMSU, followed by a Master of Arts in International Affairs from George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Michael was employed for many years as the controller at Sheraton Hotels. Later in life, Michael would find his true passion in teaching and return to school for his teaching credentials before working at several school districts in southwest Missouri.

For the past several years, Michael worked as a Training and Learning Coordinator for CoxHealth, continuing his love of teaching and telling dad jokes.

A lifelong Boy Scout from the time he was in elementary school through seeing his stepson become an Eagle Scout like him, Michael was a Scoutmaster, reviving Troop 16 at Westminster Church in the early 90's. He was awarded the Vigil Honor from the Order of the Arrow, and served as a tribal council member and Keeper of the Wampum for the Tribe of Lone Bear.

As a young man, he earned the Degree of Chevalier from The Order of DeMolay and was proud of his Masonic contributions.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and stepparents, his sister Karen Jones, and his nephew Justin. Also waiting for him is his good friend Mark Struemph.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Michelle Trantham; his stepson, Lindsay and Sam Overton and their daughter Zoey; his niece, Jessica and Travis Beazley and her family; his stepbrother, Dwayne Herman; the mother of his children, Judy Overton; a host of good friends including David Kincade and Mark Herndon; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

He took great pride in being a dad, grandpa, uncle, brother, teacher, and friend.

The family wishes to thank the Cox Hospital nurses and staff for their empathy and compassionate care during his short hospital stay.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, with Memorial Service to follow at 2:00 PM, on Monday, March 10, 2025 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Palmetto Cemetery, Rogersville, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.