Hey Mike,
Can't say enough for my gratitude toward you for helping Nick Hughes with his dream. He missed ya in his Senior year. You were a significant influence in his life. He starts left guard O-Line for the UTRGV Footbal innagural game August 30, 2025. Thanks again Mike we love ya and miss ya.

A heavenly hello Mike, you're not in pain anymore and in peace.  I think of you often as I drive past the house to the ramp and remember your kind invite to stop by sharing a cold beer and good conversation.  I enjoyed and cherish  the last one we had together, looking over the lake and catching up.  

Taken home too soon, but thanks for the memories that you left behind, be well and be good Mike.  

Ian Martin

It is with saddened heart I write this. Coach Mike was a coach at my alma mater years after I was there, but turned that program around. The work he did at IWU.  The most important thing Mike did was help guide my son Nick to the man he is today. You will always be missed.

                                 Sincerely Frank, Karin, and Nick Hughes

Mike will be dearly missed, a friend, larger than life, who was caring, compassionate, and  one who made a difference.   As a friend at the lake, I enjoyed chatting with Mike over a beer about current events and relevant matters.  Always  so welcoming and friendly.

Thanks  for the great memories Mike!

Ian

I met Mike in 1999 when he came as the head coach of the SFA Lumberjacks.  Our TV Ministry had been taping and broadcasting the football games since 1985. I went to meet Mike and ask him if he wanted us to continue doing this. I took a tape along for him to preview. It just happened to be McNeese State where he had come from.  SFA won that game. The next week he called and wanted to visit.  When I showed up he asked me if I would consider being the teams Soul Coach.  I asked him what my restrictions would be. He said none. Total access to the team and coaches. That began a great time of being there for the boys and coaches. Mike and I built a  close relationship during the time he coached there.  I don't have the space to tell some of the great stories that I experienced while working with Mike. The latest time was when I was asked to do Dallas's wedding. We spent serveral days with Mike and his sweet wife in Canyon Lake.  I will always have fond memories of working with Mike at SFA. He is the one who gave me the chance to be there for the boys. And it lasted for three more coaches after that. God only knows the influence Mike has had on many others.  And I am one of them.  Thanks Coach for allowing me to be a part of your career.

Prayers for Rochelle, the boys, daughter in laws and that precious little baby that mike loved more than life itself. He was such a wonderful man, mentor, friend, husband, Dad and Grandfather. I loved working with him at Coachcomm and enjoyed his friendship and big heart throughout the years. He encouraged us all to be our best. He was a great example of never giving up, and living life every day with a purpose. Our hearts ache not for Mike, as we know he is with Christ, but for those who are here and miss him dearly. I  will miss my good friend.
Mike Whitley

Thank you Coach for all you did for my son, Ryan.

Like so many of the people he impacted in his amazing life, I'm crushed by Mike's passing.  There was absolutely a "Santiago Way"  that shined a warming light on all in his presence. 

That  was apparent in the way he battled--with humor, hope, optimism, courage, grace and more concern for others than he had for himself. 

You are "Forever First," my friend. 

All and support to the Santiago family. Always.

Paul Alexander

Mike's love for his family was incredible and beyond words. His passion for coaching and giving back was unmatched. In my book, at the end of the day character counts and his was exemplary! He will be missed and my heart and love goes out to his family and all those who loved him.

Coach Santiago will forever be in our hearts and we are grateful for the opportunity he provided for our family. Omri misses you Coach and he Carrie’s you in his heart. We love you always. Thank you for believing in us.

I’m sad about the loss of such a fine man. We traveled together at CoachComm and talked ball. He’s such a good hearted man will be missed by all. I wish nothing but the best for Rochelle and the family may God watch over them all. 
Bill Dave Sullivan Danenhauer

My favorite picture of Michael and Dani the Great Dane
From Pamela

Christmas Party at the Painters Lakehouse
Frank Painter, Michael and George

Larger than life this man was. Hard to write was.  Frank and I adored him and our hearts break for Rochelle and his beautiful family.

We are heartbroken at Mike's passing, dear family.  He was larger than life with a wonderful, sassy sense of humor.  We spent some great times with y'all that will never be forgotten.  Heaven got another Coach for their football team!  Go get 'em, Coach!  Soar with the Angels!

OBITUARIO

Michael Edward Santiago

1 octubre, 1955 – 10 agosto, 2023

Zoeller Funeral Home

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