Michael James McCormick

Mike McCormick, 78, died early Sunday morning at his home in Shawnee.

Mike was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2025 but continued working a full schedule and filed his final article for the Lincoln County News two weeks ago.

“Mike was a journalist through and through,” said Lincoln County News editor and publisher Brian Blansett. “He was committed to accuracy and thoroughness and never backed away from covering a difficult story.

“He was a great friend and the most loyal person I’ve ever known. He leaves a hole that will never be filled.”

A memorial mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Shawnee, with Father Benjamin “Benji” Bandanadam officiating. Walker Funeral Home in Shawnee is in charge of arrangements.

Mike was deeply involved in his church and in civic and professional organizations.

He was a faithful member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church and regularly served as Eucharistic minister.

He began his newspaper career in 1967 as a reporter at the Shawnee News-Star. He worked at the News-Star for 47 years, becoming city editor in 1977, managing editor in 1991 and executive editor in 1999.

He retired in November 2014, but was soon back in journalism, reporting for the Tri-County Herald in Meeker and the Lincoln County News.

He often won awards from the Associated Press and Oklahoma Press Association for his reporting and editorials.

He was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2005, was president of the Associated Press/Oklahoma News Executives committee and served on many committees with the Oklahoma Press Association.

Mike was a past chairman of the Greater Shawnee Chamber of Commerce, served on the board of the Salvation Army and St. Gregory’s University and was a past president of the Shawnee Rotary. He was deeply involved in the International Finals Youth Rodeo and the Pott County Junior Livestock Show, volunteering and serving in a variety of roles for both.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, especially enjoying quail and turkey hunting.

Mike was born in Oklahoma City on May 3, 1948, and graduated from Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. He attended St. Gregory’s College, the University of Central Oklahoma, and OU.

He married the love of his life, Pat Gray, on July 1, 1978.

Mike is survived by his wife, Pat, of Shawnee; grandson, Liam Jackson, of Norman; son-in-law, Terry Jackson, Jr., of Norman; and sister, Maureen Giese, of Oklahoma City.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Meghan Jackson; brother, Kevin McCormick; and his parents, John, Mary Elizabeth and Roberta McCormick.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Gregory’s Abbey.