Mike was one of the first people I met at Cooper only because he was such a friendly guy and always smiling. Even when I wasn't sure what he was smiling about, my heart led me to believe he was just a good guy. He genuinely seemed to like everyone without pretense or judgement. That’s what set him apart. Mike and Pam were a huge part of our Cooper legacy and represented us well. It’s hard to talk about one without including the other. They defined what a team is supposed to look like - balancing out strengths and weaknesses and ALWAYS having each other's back. They will be missed but not forgotten because of their enduring love. It was the real deal.
Mike and I (and other Bonham folk) go all the way back to Bonham Elementary. First grade. (For you unwashed, because of the times, we actually had classes 1-3 at Elmwood West Methodist Church. Bussed to Bonham for lunch and then back to EWMC. Reccall we were all progeny of the Greatest Generation who made a bunch of babies, and the Bonham bldg could not hold us all). Mike was good people and the special relationship that those of us who went grades 1-3 at EWMC was particularly strong. Basically speaking, anyone who lived between Pioneer Dr and what is now the Winters Freeway and btw S. 7th and S. 14th went to EWMC for those 3 years. There remains a particular bond between folk who fell in that category and thus attended EWMC for school for those 3 year years and similarly a bit of a "discomfort " when we showed up at 4th grade to main campus when those who had attended main campus for those first three years had a similarly different/ closer relationship.
What a loss! I remember Mike as one of the easiest football players to "clean up" after when practice was over. Always friendly then and definitely demostrated commitment in a marriage later. I'm grateful for God's gift of Mike to me as a friend and example. Praying comfort and great memories for his and Pam's families.
Shocked and sadde3ned to reead of Mike's death. He was a gentle giant. Always smiling and friendy. We were in 1st grade together. A marriage at age 16 that lasted over 52 years, RIP, Mike. You are missed.
Mike and Pam's strength in high school and for 52 years was very inspiring! They were the hope in our class, in my opinion. I can't remember ever seeing Mike without a smile. I talked to him periodically in recent years. I was once again inspired by his true friendship with Darold Calk. My heart is with Darold during this time. I can't ever remember seeing Mike without a smile. Such a gentle giant! He will be missed but I can only imagine the reunion in heaven today!
Love,
Mike always had a smile on his face, I also went to the "church school " at the Methodist Church. Mike and Pam were an inspiration to everyone with their commitment to their marriage. RIP Mike.
Brenda Blessing (Ratliff)
Mike was one of the first people I met at Cooper only because he was such a friendly guy and always smiling. Even when I wasn't sure what he was smiling about, my heart led me to believe he was just a good guy. He genuinely seemed to like everyone without pretense or judgement. That’s what set him apart. Mike and Pam were a huge part of our Cooper legacy and represented us well. It’s hard to talk about one without including the other. They defined what a team is supposed to look like - balancing out strengths and weaknesses and ALWAYS having each other's back. They will be missed but not forgotten because of their enduring love. It was the real deal.
William (Bill) George Core
Mike and I (and other Bonham folk) go all the way back to Bonham Elementary. First grade. (For you unwashed, because of the times, we actually had classes 1-3 at Elmwood West Methodist Church. Bussed to Bonham for lunch and then back to EWMC. Reccall we were all progeny of the Greatest Generation who made a bunch of babies, and the Bonham bldg could not hold us all). Mike was good people and the special relationship that those of us who went grades 1-3 at EWMC was particularly strong. Basically speaking, anyone who lived between Pioneer Dr and what is now the Winters Freeway and btw S. 7th and S. 14th went to EWMC for those 3 years. There remains a particular bond between folk who fell in that category and thus attended EWMC for school for those 3 year years and similarly a bit of a "discomfort " when we showed up at 4th grade to main campus when those who had attended main campus for those first three years had a similarly different/ closer relationship.
Rick Evans
What a loss! I remember Mike as one of the easiest football players to "clean up" after when practice was over. Always friendly then and definitely demostrated commitment in a marriage later. I'm grateful for God's gift of Mike to me as a friend and example. Praying comfort and great memories for his and Pam's families.
John Clark
Shocked and sadde3ned to reead of Mike's death. He was a gentle giant. Always smiling and friendy. We were in 1st grade together. A marriage at age 16 that lasted over 52 years, RIP, Mike. You are missed.
Brenda Crawford (Gerard)
Mike and Pam's strength in high school and for 52 years was very inspiring! They were the hope in our class, in my opinion. I can't remember ever seeing Mike without a smile. I talked to him periodically in recent years. I was once again inspired by his true friendship with Darold Calk. My heart is with Darold during this time. I can't ever remember seeing Mike without a smile. Such a gentle giant! He will be missed but I can only imagine the reunion in heaven today!
Love,
Brenda
Dennis C. Owens
I am truly saddened by Mike's passing. My comfort is knowing that he is with Pam and our father! May we all rejoice in having known him and Pam!
Vicki Dawn Chandler
Mike always had a smile on his face, I also went to the "church school " at the Methodist Church. Mike and Pam were an inspiration to everyone with their commitment to their marriage. RIP Mike.