Michael Bynum

Michael Edward Bynum was born on January 2, 1954 in Ft. Worth, Texas to Russell Edward Bynum a textile mill worker and Barbara Ann Hedgpeth a bank teller.
Michael lived in and around the Ft. Worth area his entire life. Michael attended O.D. White High School. After high school Michael went to driving school where he got his CDL. Throughout, his life Michael traveled all over the continental United States driving for Burger King and GNC. He for a brief time owned his own trucking company. Most recently he worked for Thyssenkrupp. His kids and grandkids always loved riding in what they called ‘the big truck.’ Michael’s plans were to retire in June and relocate to Shawnee, OK to be near his grandchildren.
The Lord called Michael home on Saturday, April, 8, 2023 in Shawnee, Oklahoma at 69 years of age.
Michael married Joni Rosenau on December 2, 1972. This marriage resulted in two beautiful girls. His daughter Joy born on March 22, 1973 and Joanna born on March 3, 1977.
Michael married Tammy on June 11, 1981. Tammy brought two young children to this marriage Ernest Cowden and Misty Gille. Though Ernest and Misty were not biologically his you would have never known it. He treated them like his own and he would be the only father they would ever know.
Michael had a passion and love for all cars (except Fords). He loved to work on them and race them at the local dirt track. Many of his children’s favorite childhood memories are being at the Kennedale dirt track on Friday & Saturday nights routing for their father to win.
Michael was a member of New Hope Baptist Church for over 30 years. He served the church alongside his wife Tammy in different areas of ministry, especially the bus ministry. Two weeks ago, he walked the aisle of Fairview Baptist Church (where his son is pastor) and joined their fellowship. Both New Hope & Fairview are blessed to call him brother.
If you asked Michael to name to his greatest passions he would say, ‘My grandchildren, Brooke, Jarett, Samantha, Dylan, Connor, and Claire.’
Michael lost the love of his life three months ago. He missed her dearly. They are reunited.
Michael is survived by his daughter Joy Hirst of McKinney, Texas, his son Ernest Cowden and wife Shelby of Shawnee, OK, and daughter Misty Gille and her husband Luke of Springtown, Texas. He is survived by his grandchildren, Brooke Shaffer, Jarett Hancock, Samantha Gille, Dylan Gille, Connor Cowden, and Claire Cowden. Michael is survived by his two great grandchildren Aisley and Trevor. He is survived by his brother Bruce Bynum of Georgia.
Michael is preceded in death by his parents Russell Bynum and Barbara Hedgpeth. His wife Tamara Bynum. His daughter Joanna Bynum. Both of his brothers, Robert Bynum and Larry Copeland.