Birth date: Mar 11, 1947 Death date: Apr 21, 2026
Michael Royce Lemaster, 79, passed peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, April 21, after a short bout with cancer. His spirit lives on through his wife of 49yrs, Debra; his children, (and spouses), Aaron, Jordan (Margot), Logan (Cor Read Obituary
I did not know Mr. Lemaster personally, but as I have walked the OHT many times over the last 15 years, I have been a recipient of his dedication to the OHT with his organization, maintenance, and conservation efforts. I want to say Thank-you for all your efforts, and my sympathies to all who are grieved by his passing. Sincere Sympathies, Lynn Wiltshire, Owasso, OK.
I did not personally know Mr. Lemaster, but as I have walked to Ozark Highlands Trail many times over the last 15 years, I have been a recipient of his tireless efforts to organize and improve the trail for others. Thank-you. My thoughts are with all who grieve his passing. Sincere Sympathies, Lynn Wiltshire, Owasso, OK
We have known Mike the Hiker and Debbie for forty years. We raised our children and worked with Scouting together. We were both members of a monthly couples activities group while we lived in North Little Rock. Mike talked me into joining the OHTA and I followed him as president. I spent many days working with him on his adopted trail and other sections. We had great times at the lodge at Lake Fort Smith and canoeing the Mulberry and Buffalo Rivers. He mentored my son Brad. Mike inspired others and always had a positive attitude. The world is a much better place since Mike was in it!
Bill and I met Mike at Springdale Recreation Center where he graciously helped us get started playing pickleball. He always had many helpful tips for us. Will miss Mike’s smiling face and dedication to helping everyone at the recreation center feel welcomed.
Mike came to Boca Raton for the OU vs Arkansas game. I was very young. I also think this was one of the first memories that I have of him. OU was favored to win big. My father, Gary, took us all to the game with Johnny, Bobbie, Brock, Mary, and Jimmy (I think they were all there). OU never had a lead. We even made a banner on a sheet for the game. OU has a “Lott” on the ball. Strange what you remember? We all came home right after the game with our heads hanging low. I was asleep. I am not sure what time it was but it was definitely early in the morning. Mike came back with his friends. He had some 45 record with the Arkansas fight song. He decided to play it at full volume in order to celebrate his win. What a memory. Love that man. I will greatly miss him.
Mike is my uncle and I have many great memories and stories about him here is one.
Around 1967 or'68 I was about 4 or 5 years old we lived in Miami, OK. I caught a frog and decided I would keep it in a Mason jar. I knew the lid needed holes in it so without my mom knowing I went and got a can manual opener from the kitchen the old type that had a pointed tip on it and while holding the jar I jab the lid with the point. After about 2 or 3 jabs I missed the jar and stuck the point in my thumb. So I ran to my mom holding my bloody hand and screaming and my mom became hysterical. My dad was working at the BF Goodrich tire factory in Miami and my mom didn't have a car. She called uncle Mike who was going to college at Northeastern Oklahoma college in Miami. Luckily he was home and told mom he would be right over from across town. He rolls up in his yellow VW Beetle and we load up and off we go to the emergency room for stitches. Mom told this story years after and said Mike was nervous and the wheels seemed to never touch the ground for the 10 minute trip. Mike and I have talked about that day as recently as within the past five years. A day neither of us ever forgot about. How can I, whenever I look at my 63 year old thumb and see that scar it all comes back. He told me stories about his older brother (by 15 years and my dad) that I never heard before we he was around 6 years old and my dad John was in the navy and would come home to visit. He told me the day their father, John, Sr passed away. Mike was 10 and my dad took him outside to explain what had happened. Mike was a good story teller and left you wanting to hear more. Gone but never forgotten. He called me recently to tell me about his diagnoses and remember the last thing I ever said to him was "we love you uncle Mike".
I have a lot of memories of Mike while working with him at Fayetteville Juvenile Court. He was such a good guy. I had a text from him not long ago after I suggested he think about voting for someone, and he said he met the person at a gathering and talked for a while and knowing Mike, it probably was “a while.” He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Debbie, his children and grandchildren.
One of my most favorite friends ! He took me on many hike maintenance trips and shared his knowledge and passion for the OHT . He also thrived on the pickleball courts and shared his expertise with many local beginner programs . We shared many stories and sayings over the years that will always be remembered. He loved his family and life and it showed .
I met Mike on the pickleball court in Walker Park, when I was brand new to the sport. He was so encouraging and kind… my mistakes and ignorance did not matter… he was welcoming and supportive - I did not give up! What a warm and fun human being… fayetteville and NWA are richer for having had Michael LeMaster as one of its residents! He leaves an amazing legacy in his warm and loving children and grandchildren! I am grateful for having met Mike! - Cindy Rauth (friend of Jordan and Margot)
