Councilman, city advocate dies

Mike Straight

By Lynn A. Wade

Nevada Daily Mail

Nevada City Councilman Mike Straight died yesterday, following a brief struggle with cancer.

Straight, a long-term resident of Nevada, was also owner of Landmark Skate Center, a council member, a father, a husband and had been active on many boards and organizations throughout the years, in Nevada and in other communities. Before making Nevada his permanent residence about six years ago, he also owned and operated Landmark Skate Center in Lee's Summit for many years, and was active in the community in that city as well.

A council member since April 2003, Straight has worked to promote improvements at the Nevada Municipal Airport, sought economic development opportunities for Nevada and worked with constituents on many neighborhood issues. He was on the board of directors for the Center for Families in Crisis, a local domestic violence resource.

He was a past president of Main Street Nevada and has served on many boards and for many organizations.

He was a member of the Deerfield Baptist Church.

During the last few weeks of his life, council members put together a special honor in appreciation of Straight's service, presenting the award to Straight during a council meeting.

"I'm so glad he was able to come and receive that proclamation. You could tell it was a chore for him, but he came," said fellow council member and former mayor Bill Edmonds.

"He's really done a great job for Nevada," said David Bishop, a member of a neighborhood organization, Concerned Citizens of Southwest Nevada.

"We wanted to let him know just how much we think of him," Bishop said.

Straight is remembered for many things -- including his sense of humor. He took part in many community events, and often brought a sense of humor with him.

Serving as master of ceremonies for a Bushwhacker Days celebrity pie-throwing events, he turned the other cheek, so to speak, letting participants throw pie in his face.

Looking back on time spent with Straight as a council member, Edmonds said, "I remember Mike for his enthusiasm. He was always so energetic.

When he was sick he would call me about a lot of things (concerns relating to city business). Most people might not be putting forth that effort, but he sure did."

Edmonds said that Straight's enthusiasm touched "Everything that had to do with the city. He was very hopeful, then grateful that the park tax got passed. He was just always very enthusiastic."

His sincerity and enthusiasm relating to the city was apparent in a letter to the editor he penned in March, praising the community, its leaders and thanking the city council for honoring him -- but taking time to urge voters to approve an extension of the sales tax for parks."

Beyond Nevada, Straight was also active in the Missouri Municipal League and was appointed to a committee in his first year -- an unusual accomplishment, Edmonds said.

Tim Moore, former mayor and fellow council member, said, "I'm deeply saddened at the loss of a good friend. It's especially hard when you lose someone so full of life and excitement. On Mike's short term on the council, he was a fire-starter, getting projects going and putting all his efforts into them.

"He will be missed both on the council and as a friend."

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, April 30, at the First Baptist Church, Nevada. Friends may call now and until 8 p.m., on Friday at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Those who wish may contribute to the Deerfield Baptist Church or the Pentecostal Assembly, Nevada, in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.