Michael Ray McCrory, 69, of Atchison, Kansas, passed away in his home surrounded by family and love on April 25th, 2024. Michael was a beloved husband, father, and grandpapa as well as a devoted friend. Michael, or Mike as most knew him, was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico to James L. McCrory and Alice M. Gossaru McCrory on May 30th, 1954.
Mike and his devoted wife, Nora, relocated to Atchison, Kansas, from Colorado in 2018 after deciding to find a quieter life together. Mike and Nora were united in marriage on September 23rd, 2017 at Mike’s family home in Brighton, CO. Mike and Nora’s relationship was blessed by the spontaneity of life happenings whether it be through travel or friendship. One of the best memories is how they found their beautiful home in Atchison; Mike and Nora were on their way back to the airport after house hunting when they drove through Atchison. Nora was struck by the house across the street from their current home when Mike said, “but look at this one; it has a for sale sign.” They called the realtor and the rest was history. Mike kept up his avid love of golf after moving to Atchison, where he was a member of the Atchison Golf Club at Bellevue. Mike also served on the Atchison Chamber of Commerce, Atchison Art Association, rotary, and ran his ice cream shop, Lickity Split, for several years.
Before moving to Kansas, Mike lived in Colorado for over 40 years, where he raised his family and served as President and Chief Operating Officer for Information Handling Services in Denver, CO. He held many roles over the years at IHS and other companies within the oil and gas industry, including board memberships. Mike was a respected leader with magnetic energy.
Mike raised his family in Brighton, CO, with his first wife, Beverly B. McCrory. Mike and Bev were united in marriage on May 22nd, 1982, and married for almost 32 years before Bev passed away. Mike and Bev raised their two girls, Caitlin and Rachael, at their home in Brighton, along with many other animals that the girls brought home, including chickens, geese, cows, dogs, horses, stray cats, and even a reptile.
Mike is survived by his wife, Nora, of Atchison, children Caitlin Evans and her husband, Cole, of Severance, CO; Rachael McCrory and her fiancé, Peter Hamill, of Missoula, Montana; a brother, James (Cynthia) McCrory of Albuquerque, NM; a sister, Marjorie Fiske (Bill) of Morarity, NM; two grandchildren, Harper and Ada Evans of Severance, CO, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly McCrory; his parents; a sister, Susan Lisette McCrory; in-laws Woody and Mary Blum and Nancy Helmstadter.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be made to Faith Home Health and Hospice (Kansas City 913-296-7636) or the Atchison Art Association (913-367-4278). Details regarding a celebration of life will be shared at a later date.
