Pahrump, NV - Michael Wayne Creek

February 9, 1947 - May 18, 2026

Michael Wayne Creek, devoted husband, proud father of seven, grandfather of a whole bunch, and lifelong servant of his country, passed away on May 18, 2026, in Pahrump, Nevada, at the age of 79.

Born on February 9, 1947, Michael built a career that reads like something out of a novel. He rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the United States Army — a designation earned through exceptional skill and expertise, not just time served. From there he became a Chief in U.S. Customs before landing in the Department of Homeland Security, where he worked in counterintelligence. The man spent decades keeping secrets the rest of us will never know about. This is remarkable, because if you knew Michael personally, you are very aware that keeping secrets was not one of his strengths!

But the classified career didn't tell the whole story. Michael was eternally silly. He possessed a sarcastic wit that could level a room and a warmth that made you glad you were in it. He was also deeply proud of his Cherokee heritage — his home office looked like a small tribal museum, filled with pieces he'd gathered and treasured over the years. And every single year — no exceptions, no negotiations — he delivered his world-famous birthday song to his children and grandchildren. The performance never wavered. The audience always delighted in the unexpected twists and turns each personalized birthday song held.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife Karla, who somehow put up with all of his personality and deserves enormous credit for it. He leaves behind his six daughters — KaiAnn, Amethyst, Ambrosia, Lluvia, Ciera, and Karla — his son Gabriel, and enough grandchildren to field a sports team.

He served his country with honor. He kept its secrets with discretion — professionally, at least. He raised his family with love. And he made everyone around him laugh, often at the most inappropriate moment possible.

He was one of a kind, and he knew it.

He will be deeply, dearly missed.