Michael Blain “Mike” Brinkley, age 79, lifelong Clinton resident, was born July 10, 1947, in Clinton, Oklahoma, to Charlie Blain and Ruth Roslie (Bourquin) Brinkley, and passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday morning, August 1, 2026, surrounded by the place and life he loved.
Mike was raised in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School with the Class of 1965.
Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve, receiving an honorable discharge. On August 28, 1970, he married the love of his life, Kathy Ferrell, in Leedey, Oklahoma. Together they built a wonderful life centered on faith, family, and hard work, sharing nearly 56 years of marriage.
Mike was the owner and operator of Brinkley Electric, where he worked as a respected electrician for 35 years. His slogan was “we will remove your shorts”. Throughout those years, he also maintained his passion for farming. Following his retirement from the electrical business, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a fulltime farmer and rancher.
Working the land was more than an occupation — it was his passion — and he continued doing what he loved until the very end.
A man of deep faith, Mike was a devoted member of First Christian Church, where his church family played an important role in his life. He and Kathy treasured spending time at their cabin in Colorado, making countless memories with family and friends.
Nothing, however, brought him greater joy than being with his grandchildren.
He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose greatest happiness came from his family.
Mike enjoyed beginning each day with breakfast among friends and could often be found visiting with the men’s coffee group at Littke’s, keeping up with the latest happenings around town, creating friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Blain and Ruth Brinkley; and his brothers, Leslie Allen Brinkley and Charles Ray Brinkley.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Kathy Brinkley, of the home; his sons, Michael Allen Brinkley and wife Angie of Clinton, and Christopher Cody Brinkley and wife Maribel of Clinton; his daughter, Brett Lane McPherson and husband Tray of Arcadia, Oklahoma; his sisters, Barbara Kreizenbeck and husband Chris of Clinton, and Enola Crayton and husband Clyde of Clinton; his nine beloved grandchildren, Jantz McMillin, Daniel George, Hannah George, Nellie Brinkley, Harley Brinkley, Danni Brinkley, Blaynee McPherson, Sundee McPherson, and Judge McPherson; sister-in-law Jeanie Brinkley of Edmond, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at First Christian Church in Clinton, officiated by Jeff Johnson and Doyle Kinney. Burial will follow in Stafford Cemetery under the direction of the Lee Hometown Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends during a viewing and visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening in the Hyman Memorial Chapel, located at the Lee Hometown Funeral Home.