Mike started his military career at the age of 17. With his father's signature, he joined the Army National Guard in 1960. Soon after, he married Maria J. Leyva and started a family in Douglas, AZ. He worked full-time for the Water Dept at the City of Douglas. In 1971, Mike graduated from the Border Patrol Academy and moved his family to Yuma, AZ. Through the years, he found success in both the Border Patrol and Army National Guard. He had various assignments in the Border Patrol, including Spanish Instructor, Anti-Smuggling Agent, and finally, as an Assistant Chief of the Yuma Sector. He retired in 1999. While in the Army National Guard, he completed Officer Candidate School and was assigned the Company Commander of Bisbee and Douglas military police units. He graduated from the Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, KS in 1977, and was a Battalion Commander of Quartermaster Corps units in Phoenix. Ultimately, he retired as a full Colonel.
During his retirement, he acted as Western Area Chair of the Arizona Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Mike was a man of many talents. He had a passion for rebuilding old trucks and working on his cars. He also loved woodworking and tried his hand at making various pieces of furniture. He was an avid hunter both with rifle and bow. He loved playing his guitar, singing, and spending time with friends and family. He enjoyed camping trips, family vacations, football and baseball games, cooking, and most of all, making everyone laugh. Mike turned out to be an amazing mentor and role model for many. He was a great leader, a genuine, compassionate, and loving man that would help anyone in need.
A beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maria J. Leyva, children Yvette Lovell (Johnny), Miguel A. Leyva Jr. (Melinda), Nitza Leyva- Miles (Rick), Claudia Suho (Steve), Eric Leyva, 11 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Ruben Leyva, his sisters Stella McNatt (Mike), Alicia Ceballos, Francisca Estrada and numerous nieces and nephews.
