Michael McKenna

Michael "Mike" Edward McKenna, 48, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on August 16, 1976, in Cleveland, Ohio, Mike lived a life full of love, laughter, service, and deep devotion to both his family and faith.

Mike dedicated 17 years of his life to the Lawrence Police Department, where he began his career as a patrol officer and rose through the ranks to become a respected and compassionate detective. He served with unwavering integrity, a quiet strength, and an unmistakable kindness that left a lasting impact on the department and the community he served. To his brothers and sisters in blue, he wasn't just a colleague-he was family.

Mike was a loving husband, father, son, and brother. His heart and greatest joy were always with his family. He was the proudest "girl dad" to his daughter Olivia-his beloved "Minnow"-and the most devoted husband to Tabatha McKenna, whom he married on October 7, 2018. Their bond was one built on deep love, shared laughter, and the kind of partnership that inspires others.

His humor was legendary-he was the king of dad jokes, always ready with a one-liner to brighten someone's day. He had a gift for making people laugh and feel at ease, and his presence lit up every room he entered. Whether it was through game nights with neighbors, weekend meat-smoking sessions, or family gaming marathons, Mike found joy in the simple moments spent with those he loved.

He had a deep love for the ocean and was never happier than when sitting on a cruise ship balcony, watching the waves roll by. His three dogs-Emma, Ellie, and Winston-were constant companions and part of the joyful home he and Tabatha created together.

Mike's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He loved Jesus with all his heart, and his favorite Bible verse, Daniel 3:18, reflected his steadfast belief: "But even if He does not..."-a reminder to trust God in all circumstances and keep our eyes on eternity.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Tabatha McKenna; his daughter, Olivia McKenna; his mother, Sandra McKenna; his brothers Lawrence McKenna (Marianne), Kevin McKenna (Jennifer), and Christopher McKenna; and his extended family of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and countless dear friends. He is also survived by his loyal dogs and his cherished law enforcement family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence McKenna Sr., whom he loved dearly and whose memory he carried with him every day.

Though he has left this world too soon, Mike's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched with his kindness, courage, and unshakable faith. He was a protector, a peacemaker, a storyteller, a servant, and above all, a man who loved deeply and lived fully.

We will miss his laugh, his wisdom, and his heart-but we rejoice in knowing that he is now healed, whole, and home with Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Jacob Pickett Response Organization, a cause close to Mike's heart. Contributions can be made online at https://remembering626.org/ or mailed to:

Jacob Pickett Response Organization

P.O. Box 460

Zionsville, IN 46077

Please include the memo: "In Memory of Mike McKenna."