It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael McCarty, who peacefully left us on November 6, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Michael was born on Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines on April 20, 1983 to parents Michael and Elisa McCarty. In his early years, he attended school in Rapid City, South Dakota, and later graduated from Cheyenne East High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as part of the class of 2003. Following his graduation, Michael made the courageous decision to enlist in the United States Air Force. During his 14-year military career, Michael was stationed at several bases around the world, including Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, Ellsworth Air Force Base in Box Elder, South Dakota, Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, and Minot Air Force Base.
In May 2014, Michael’s life took a new turn when he met the love of his life, Rebecca, and her daughter Athena. Their bond grew stronger over the years, leading to their marriage in May of 2017. Their family expanded with the addition of daughter Liliana in August 2015 and son Kaleb in May 2017.
Throughout his life, Michael experienced living in multiple states due to his own military career as well as his father’s. After his retirement from the Air Force, he attended Minot State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management. Upon college graduation, Michael held various positions, including serving as a supervisor of the frozen foods department at Arrowhead Marketplace, a sales representative at Best Buy, and contributed as a support clerk at the Base Commissary.
Michael spent most of his free time at home, playing video games with his children and sharing the joy of gaming with them. He also enjoyed collecting Magic: The Gathering cards and grew his collection extensively throughout the years.
Michael will be remembered most for being a dedicated and loving father and stepfather. His family was the center of his world, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
Michael’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, dedication, and unwavering support will continue to inspire and comfort us during this difficult time.
Michael’s loving family includes his wife, Becca McCarty of Minot; children, Liliana and Kaleb of Minot; step-daughter, Athena Kranz of Minot; parents, Michael and Elisa McCarty of Cheyenne, WY; brother, Joseph (Ashley) McCarty of Colorado Springs, CO; nieces, Dakota, Elizabeth, and Marie of Colorado Springs, CO; nephew, James McCarty of Colorado Springs, CO; in-laws, Marian and Richard Schmaltz of Minot, ND, and brothers-in-law, Jeremy and Jacob Schmaltz of Minot, ND, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and wonderful friends.
Michael was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Vincent and Katherine McCarty; maternal grandparents, Margerita Gade and Federico Cobitan, and paternal uncle, John McCarty.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, with a ceremony of Military Honors to follow.
