An Air Force “brat”, only child, high school and college jock, he became a cowboy for his high school sweetheart, and they were married just shy of 46 years. He was a proud Air Force Master Sergeant veteran earning a Master of Science in Logistics Management, which led to prominent airline and transportation industry executive positions: McDonnell Douglas, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines VP of Purchasing and Aircraft Maintenance, TransAviation VP, Transplace Exec. VP, McAfee VP, & Vought Aircraft.
Thankfully, Mike played hard while young and excelled in every sport he attempted: baseball, football, track, skydiving, private pilot, snow and water skiing, scuba diving, fishing, hunting, golf, horses, even competitive square dancing. He was forever a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan.
Mike fiercely loved his daughters and was proud of their Science Olympiad, educational, sports, and professional accomplishments. He especially loved coaching their competitive fast pitch softball teams. Airline deals could wait if his daughters were pitching on a Friday night. He provided his daughters with every opportunity he could. Most of all, he loved the wonderful families they’ve created with their husbands. He was so looking forward to watching his four granddaughters grow and the birth of his fifth granddaughter.
Mike’s life was cut short by a malfunctioning autonomic nervous system causing a myriad of medical conditions complicated with early onset dementia-Alzheimer’s.
Mike was predeceased by his father, George “Bill” Ellenburg. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Colleen, of Sun City, AZ, daughter Christine (Jeffrey), daughter Michelle (Nathaniel), four granddaughters: Lizzie, Katie, Maddie, & Allie, plus another miracle on the way, and his mother, Charlotte Ellenburg of SC.
Services by Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City, AZ. April 12, 2021. Viewing at 12 noon followed by a graveside service at 1:30.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, please consider donating to Wounded Warriors.
