Michael Patrick Cullen

Michael Patrick Cullen, 62, of Dallas, Texas, passed into eternal life on January 30, 2026, going home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A beloved son, brother and friend, Mike’s life was a powerful testament to faith, joy, perseverance and love.

Born on June 6, 1963, in Plainfield, New Jersey to Thomas Patrick Cullen and Judith McAdams Cullen, Mike was raised in Houston, Texas. Growing up as one of five children, he shared a busy home filled with love, laughter, and lots of activity. He treasured family vacations, dinners, and holidays, as well as many joyful moments spent having fun with friends in the neighborhood. From a young age, Mike loved being with people and brought energy and laughter wherever he went. He had a passion for sports, and especially enjoyed basketball and ultimate frisbee during his years at Stratford High School, never turning down an opportunity to play a game with friends. He was also a devoted member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church.

Mike graduated from high school in 1981 and continued his education at the University of Houston. He served as UH Student Government President and was honored as a member of Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges in 1985–1986. In addition to being a devoted fan of U of H Cougar Basketball and the Houston Rockets, Mike also had a deep love for music. Some of his most joyful moments were spent gathered with friends, singing and laughing – simple moments that meant everything to him.

After college, Mike began his professional career in Franchisee Marketing and Information Systems at Shell Oil. He then went to work for Exxon Chemical in Houston specializing in Fuel Transportation. In 2001, his life changed forever when he suffered a traumatic brain injury in a construction accident that nearly took his life. Though left with severe and lasting injuries, Mike faced this new chapter with extraordinary grace. For nearly ten years, Mike lived at the Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute at Tideway in Galveston, undergoing extensive rehabilitation. During this time, he was surrounded by the devoted care of physicians, therapists, caregivers, and, most importantly, family and friends. His parents made the long journey almost daily to be by his side, and countless visits from siblings, relatives and friends brought him immense comfort and happiness. Even in the hardest moments, Mike’s joy shone through—his smile, presence, and appreciation for others remained constant.

In 2019, Mike moved to Dallas to be closer to his mother. Despite ongoing physical limitations and discomfort, Mike never complained. Instead, he chose gratitude and love. Family and friends were his greatest treasures, and he made sure each person knew how much they mattered to him. The years following his accident became a gift to all who knew him, as Mike’s quiet strength, gentle humor, and joyful spirit inspired everyone around him. Though he is deeply missed, his loved ones take comfort in knowing that Mike is now fully healed and reunited with his earthly and heavenly Fathers.

Mike was preceded in death by his devoted father, Thomas Patrick Cullen. He is survived by his dedicated and loving mother, Judith “Judy” Cullen; his siblings, Kathy Blair and husband, James of Dallas, Eileen Cochran and husband, Devin of San Antonio, his twin brother, Thomas Cullen and Chi-Lan Nguyen of Houston, and Laurie Walker and husband, David of Dallas. Mike was a proud and loving uncle to Ashley Blair Edwards, Blake Blair, Meghan Blair, Caroline Blair Vergata, Cullen Cochran, Ian Cochran, Jack Cochran, Corey Cullen, Chris Walker, Sarah Walker, and Olivia Walker, and five great-nieces and nephews, all of whom brought him great joy.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, therapists, and caregivers who lovingly cared for Mike throughout the years following his injury. Their care and love for Mike was a true blessing.

A celebration of Mike’s beautiful life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on February 19, 2026, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, Texas 77079. A reception at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s honor to:

Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR-Memorial Hermann) at Make a Gift | Memorial Hermann (https://memorialhermann.org/foundation/donate) or the charity of your choice.