Michael Joseph Desparrois

Our world lost a light on March 3, 2024 when Mike crossed the pearly gates. We are certain he hugged his dad, high-fived his uncles and cousin and promptly sat down to watch the Cubs at Wrigley Field with a Chicago Dog.

Michael Joseph Desparrois, 49, of Midland, Texas, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024. We will celebrate his life at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 9 at Mid-Cities Church on Hwy 191. We invite you to wear blue or green as these were his favorite colors.

Mike, also known as Des to many friends, was born on June 15, 1974 in Littleton, Colorado to Dennis and Kathleen Desparrois. After graduating from Arapahoe High School, he played baseball at Dodge City Community College and graduated with his Associates degree.  He then transferred to Eastern New Mexico University to continue pitching on the baseball diamond.  He finished his Bachelor’s degree at Metropolitan State University in Denver, CO.  Mike always loved working with kids, especially those who struggled. While in Colorado, he worked at a shelter for homeless youth.  After he and Pam married and moved to Midland, TX, he worked as a special education teacher and football coach at Lee Freshman High School. He went on to teach at San Jacinto Jr. High and also coached baseball at Midland High School.

Mike made a huge impact on the world of education. He worked with countless youth in schools and on sports teams. One of his favorite memories was helping lead the MHS baseball team to the state tournament in 2006. Mike easily made friends with teachers and administrators with his infectious, kid-like personality.  After he completed his Masters Degree in 2007, he started working at Region 18 Education Service Center. There his love for training and working with teachers grew even more.  Mike was a gifted trainer who connected immediately with his audiences. His biggest joy in work was definitely the long lasting relationships he formed.  In 2019, Mike started his own company, Mike D Consulting. This enabled him to travel to more school districts, reach even more students, teachers, and administrators and leave a resounding impact on those he encountered.

As much as Mike loved his work, it was absolutely no match for his love of his girls. Being a dad to Avery Kate and Delaney was his absolute world as was apparent with his “rare but important” dates with each. He poured his love into them in so many ways. Whether teaching his girls to ride bikes and skateboards or encouraging them as they tried a myriad of sports:  softball, soccer, dance, tennis, and finally volleyball. He was a doting father and their number one fan.  There was nothing Mike enjoyed more than watching either of his girls on the court.  However, as much as he enjoyed their sports, he was even more determined to raise responsible humans. He was most proud of their kind and giving hearts and tremendous success in school.  Those were truly his proudest moments. According to Delaney, “My favorite thing with dad was that no achievement was too small for him to be proud of.”

Mike and Pam shared a love of travel.  Through the years, the family visited numerous places in both the United States and some international locations.  Mike was a gifted writer, and we are certain that many of you will miss his blogs of our travels as well as who wins the coveted “Parent of the Year” award.

Mike was incredibly proud of his wife Pam and cheered her on through all of her accomplishments. Their life together grew through the years as they watched their dreams and desires grow. With Pam, Mike worked extremely hard to build the life they had always wanted and he was tremendously grateful for all that they had.

Mike is survived by his wife Pam, and daughters Avery Kate and Delaney, his mother, Kathleen Desparrois, sister Katie Deitemeyer (Tom), brothers Denny Desparrois, and Jeff Desparrois (Susan) and nieces and nephews Garrett, Hilden, Talley and Teag.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Dennis Desparrois, his loving grandparents, uncles, aunt and cousin.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards all who have supported them through prayer, texts, visits, phone calls, generous donations through the Meal Train and Go Fund Me as well as countless other acts of service. They feel as though they have witnessed angels on earth through the kindness you have bestowed upon their family.  Lastly, they would like to give thanks for the amazing nurses on the oncology floor of Midland Memorial Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to honor Mike with a donation to American Cancer Society, Lone Star Animal Sanctuary, Bynum School or your favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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