David Michael "Mike" Madewell, 79, passed away on January 30, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on September 12, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Argus Eugene Madewell and Dossie Mae (Hudson) Madewell, who preceded him in death.

Mike was born and raised in the Tulsa area. He started piano lessons at the age of five and in high school, he excelled as a wide receiver and track athlete. He had a love for horses, which he owned and rode throughout his youth.

Mike served in the United States Navy, working on jet engines aboard numerous aircraft carriers. His service took him to Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and San Diego. It was in San Diego, on February 14, 1968, that he met the love of his life, Barbara Joyce Falk, arriving in a green 1968 fastback Mustang—a story fondly remembered for years to come.

Following his military service, Mike and Barbara married and moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in engineering from Oklahoma State University. He was hired by Beechcraft and moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he built his family and career. A multi-engine IFR-rated pilot, Mike had the honor of serving as co-pilot on flights with Olive Ann Beech. He earned his Master's degree from Friends University, where he later taught business classes.  After retiring, he was an active member of the Quiet Birdman organization and volunteered regularly at the Kansas Aviation Museum.

Mike and Barbara shared a spirit of adventure. In their younger years, they rode motorcycles, traveling all over the Midwest with close friends. Later, the Madewell Family enjoyed traveling often, visiting numerous states, as well as Canada. Mike led the family on tons of camping trips to El Dorado Lake in their pop-up camper, boating, waterskiing, and tubing on the lake. He was an avid sports enthusiast who enjoyed tennis, racquetball, softball, volleyball, and bicycling throughout his life—often alongside his beloved wife.

Music remained at the heart of Mike's life. His baby grand piano was rarely silent, and his home was filled with classical, bluegrass, country, and oldies music played from sheet music, records, cassettes, or CDs. He also played the banjo and harmonica, delighting family with spirited performances—including memorable renditions of "Dueling Banjos." In retirement, while living in a condo at Georgetown Retirement Center, he played piano daily for the residents, who greatly enjoyed his talent.

Mike is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Sarah (Gabe); his son, Steven (Amanda); and three cherished grandchildren—two granddaughters (Lexi, 16 and Sammy, 11), and one grandson (James, 8 months). He is also survived by his brother, Alan Madewell, and sister-in-law Vickye of Tulsa, Oklahoma, along with numerous cousins.

Mike lived a full and prosperous life marked by service, adventure, music, and deep love for his family. His love for his family will never be forgotten and he will be profoundly missed. A memorial is being planned for this spring. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Kansas Aviation Museum.