02/24/2026
Michael Wesley “Mike” Dutton, 73, of Kingman, Kansas, passed away on February 23, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma after complications following a severe allergic reaction.
Mike was born on June 6, 1952, in Kingman County, Kansas, to Gene and Jane Dutton. A proud graduate of Kansas State University in Agricultural Technology Management, he liked to remind people that he earned that degree without a calculator—a point of pride that fit perfectly with his combination of intelligence and old‑school grit.
He spent his life working across eastern Colorado as what he jokingly (and accurately) called an “agricultural transportation engineer.” Whether it was farming, custom harvest runs from Oklahoma to Montana running Gleaner combines, or hauling in his Kenworth, Mike’s world revolved around the land and the people who worked it. His ingenuity—equal parts energy efficiency and pure redneck creativity—was legendary. If something needed fixing, improving, or redesigning, Mike could do it with baling twine, duct tape, determination, and a grin. His daughters recall multiple occasions where he could diagnose and fix anything broken just by listening to it over the phone.
To those who knew him well, Mike was also “Mighty Mike,” a man whose humor was as big as his stories. One of his favorite stories was a recount of riding out the Limon tornado as a member of the Riverdale’s walk-in Cooler Crew on his birthday in 1990. One of his most cherished trophies was a Christmas tree decorated with Diet Dr Pepper cans as ornaments—saved for years because Kelsey had been “a smart alec,” and he thought the whole thing was too good to toss. In fact, Mike considered a lot of things too good to toss; however, he always knew where his treasures were located. He loved Diet Dr Pepper almost as much as he loved telling of the time he traded a pig straight across for a minivan—an event he considered a perfectly reasonable transaction.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Jane Dutton. He was also preceded in death by his lifelong trucking buddies - Roy Marsh, Don Grokett and Delmar Cirbo.
He is survived by his children: Jennifer (Mitchel) Huttinga of Sheridan, MT; Sara Dutton of Limon, CO; and Kelsey (Mark) Meeks of Durant, OK; and by Penny Wilkins, his beloved friend and companion, and their dogs Suzie and Sally of Kingman, KS. He leaves behind his grandchildren—Mason (19), Karter (6), Kennedy (3) Meeks, and Bennett (1) Huttinga—as well as many beloved grand‑dogs. Mike is also survived by his brothers, Ed (Eudon) Dutton of Kingman, KS, and Steve (Mary) Dutton of Lenexa, KS, along with many nieces and nephews.
Though he answered to Mike, Mighty Mike, Dad, and Grandpa Mike he will be remembered above all for his quiet faith and the joy he found in spending time with the family and friends who meant so much to him. His presence, humor, and generosity will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held at Walks Camp Park - 63549 County Road 27, Limon, CO - on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 3:00 pm with Mike’s good friend Wayne Ewing officiating. Following the service, all are welcome to join the family at Southside, Mike’s favorite restaurant. Cheesesticks will be provided, and the full menu will be available. A Kingman, Kansas celebration of life and graveside service for Gene and Mike will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Walks Camp Park, where Mike served on the board of directors until his passing. Contributions may be sent to Walks Camp Park, C/O Teresa O’Dwyer, 59495 State Road 71, Limon, CO 80828.
