Nov. 2, 1948 – Dec. 3, 2025
Although your broken body was weary
You fought to carry on
Our broken hearts stayed with you
The day God called you home
We love you,
Your family
With great sorrow, the family of Mike Schilhab announce his passing. He is now reunited with his parents and brothers and with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven. Mike was 77 years old.
Mike was born in Victoria, Texas to Lawrence and Virginia Schilhab. He was the second oldest of ten children, and he loved being a part of a large family.
Mike spent his early years in El Campo, Texas. In 1960, his family permanently settled in Conroe, which was a small community with a population of 9, 192 residents. Growing up, Mike was heavily involved in the sports of baseball, football, and bowling. He once bowled a perfect 300 and competed in the state bowling championship.
Mike was a 1967 graduate of Conroe High School where he was president of the senior class. He studied to be a priest for two years at St. John’s Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. Continuing on with his education, he attended Texas A & M and SMU in Dallas where he graduated from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU. He began his banking career at American Bank in Conroe. He moved on as branch manager of Norwest Mortgage in Houston, and spent many years as President of United National Bank in Houston.
Upon retirement from banking, he joined Harvey-Daco in Houston as an executive sales representative. He was also a past president of Houston Promotional Products Association. Even though Mike worked in Houston, he remained active in the Conroe community as a board member of the Conroe Chamber of Commerce and a lifelong member of the Fair Association of Conroe. He served as a past president and regional board member of the Exchange Club of Conroe where he received the National Andrew Award. Loving sports, he coached a Conroe Little League team. As a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe, Mike served as a Eucharistic Minister and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. After surviving a near death experience in 2002, his life and health drastically changed. Due to his declining health, he was unable to do and be a part of the things that he loved.
The greatest love in Mike’s life was his family. In 1970, he married his wife, Paula Lockett. They were married for 55 years and were completely devoted to one another. Both had a special sense of humor, and they laughed every day. Their greatest blessing was their two children and five grandchildren.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Virginia Schilhab; brothers, Dickie, Tim, Jeff, and Larry Schilhab; sister-in-law, Claire Schilhab (Dickie); brother-in-law, Bill Kahn; brother -in-law, Kelly Lockett; father and mother-in-law, Paul and Jo Lockett; and nephews, Chase Howden and Zachary Kahn.
Mike is survived by his wife, Paula, and his beloved son, Grant Schilhab (Katherine) and beloved daughter, Blair Ellis (Rocky). He and his daughter, Blair, share the same November second birthday which was always special to him. He was also blessed with grandchildren who were his pride and joy! He loved being called Grandaddy and had a special connection with each child. These treasured grandchildren are Brooklynn, Wesson, Andrew, River, and Scout Michael Ellis. Also surviving Mike are his devoted brothers, Patrick Schilhab and Robbie Schilhab (Connie); his much- loved sisters, Darlene Howden (Jimmy); Peggy Deering (Mike); and Nancy Moore (Steve); brother-in-law, Rebel Lockett (Lezlie); sister-in-law Clarice Lockett (Jim); sisters-in-law Linda Schilhab (Larry) and Vicky Schilhab (Tim). He also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mike spent many years in poor health, but he never complained or lost faith, and was always grateful. He was a loving, gentle soul.
The family would like to extend their profound thanks to Dr. Hina Siddiqui for her expertise, kindness, and support for Mike and Paula during many long years.
A Rosary for Mike will be held at Metcalf Funeral Home in Conroe on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 5:00p.m., with visitation to follow from 5:30p.m.-7:30p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe.
Interment will follow at Garden Park Cemetery, Conroe, Texas.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital @stjude.org/give.html.
