Michael LaOrange was born on August 6, 1966 to Patrick Harrington LaOrange Jr. and Lucille Marie (Jerby) LaOrange at St. Johns Hospital in Salina, Ks. Mike as he like to be called left and made his heavenly journey on March 10, 2024.
Mike was a member of the First Christian Church of Salina, Ks. After high school graduation Mike attended 2 years at Salina area vocational technical school, graduating as an auto mechanic.
Mike was on a bowling team along with his dad and brother Tracy.
Mike had a very loving heart and tried to be kind and gentle to everyone.
Mike spent all of his life in Salina, except for eighteen years he travels many a road as an over the road truck driver. On one of his trips home, he was driving a cab over truck, and fixed a plywood platform and took his mother’s dog Peaches (small dog) along with his trip, once he returned home the dog said that’s enough, leave me with mom. He made it to all contiguous 48 states. He did not like New York Harbor because of the narrow streets. He was accident free as a truck driver, and received a one million mile award.
While Mike was over the road driver would break to attend Daytona International Speedway with friends from the Chicago area. Tracy and Mike were great fans of NASCAR and during the races they would call each other up and have friendly banter.
Mike came home and worked for Salina Iron and Metal. When that business split he switched to Home Town Disposal. There he became an operational assistant, and when necessary left what he was doing and jumped into a truck and covered the necessary areas.
Mike loved guns and became a member of the Quivera Inc. Gun Club, where he became an instructor. He taught many the correct way to handle a gun, and gun safety. Mike would also compete in tournaments.
Mike loved to go hunting with his dad and brother, and dog Taz, who would run and flush the pheasant’s out and if the men were lucky down would come the birds.
Later Mike joined the Mason Salina Lodge #60 and was working his way up the ladder. His mother had the pleasure of enjoying visiting with some of the members that would meet at the VFW to eat a meal and joke with them as they ate.
Mike leaves behind his father Pat LaOrange and his companion Doris Cole. His mother Lucille Sanderson and Brother Tracy and wife Brenda. Niece’s Sara Wentworth and great niece Brooklyn Redd and great nephew Damien Redd. Stepbrothers David (Bonnie) Sanderson, James Sanderson, Nathan Sanderson, Paul Cole, Keith (Pam) Cole, Frank (Sandy) Cole, James (Julie) Cole, Stepsister Marilyn (Cory) Connelly. His Aunt Ginny Jerby, many cousins and second cousins. Former wife Sharon LaOrange her daughter’s Crystal Carson and Melissa Baxter.
Preceded in death was a very special uncle George Alan (Doc) Jerby, Stepfather William Sanderson, Aunt Juanita Jerby, Grandparents Patrick and Evelyn LaOrange, George, and Evea Jerby.
Funeral services will be held on March 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Belmont Boulevard Christian Church, 2508 Belmont Boulevard in Salina, Ks. Mike will be buried in Gypsum Hill Cemetery beside his Mason brothers. Visitation will be between 1 PM until service time.
There will be a lunch for families and friends at noon at the church in the fellowship hall. After the burial you may return for light refreshments and additional visiting.
The family is asking that donations instead of flowers, please send your heart’s desire amount to the Salina Lodge #60, as Mike had a tender heart and it would be his wish to help others.
You may dress casual Mike felt most at ease in casual wear.
The family thank you for your thoughts and prayers as they travel this heart-breaking journey.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be sent to www.roselawnsalina.com.