Miguel Escamilla Jr.

Miguel “Mike” Escamilla, Jr., a beloved husband and father passed away peacefully at Baytown Methodist Hospital after a long battle with Parkinson’s and Pulmonary Fibrosis on January 1, 2024 at the age of 68.

He was born in Corpus Christi on March 12, 1955, and later moved to Houston while he was a young child. It was during his high school years at Waltrip, that he developed his life long love of drumming while in the marching band. He would later continue drumming at his church along with other various bands until the effects of his Parkinson’s disease forced him to stop. He worked as a highly skilled welder at Stauffer Chemicals, which later became Rhone Poulenc, for over 30 years and was active in the local chapter of the Oil, Chemical, & Atomic Workers International Union where he fought for changes and made lifelong friends. He had married young right after high school, and although the marriage did not last, it resulted in the birth of three children whom he greatly loved and treasured. As a single father, he eventually met and married his wife, Cindy, in 1996. He was also blessed to be able to serve at Lakewood Church on pastor John Osteen’s personal security team for many years, and would occasionally share memories about some of the inspirational people he was honored to meet throughout his service there. Mike’s love of God and Jesus continued to guide him throughout his life, and he always took every opportunity to bless, encourage, and minister to those in need. Even in his final days he could be heard encouraging and ministering to his nurses at the hospital. His favorite words of wisdom included “Do your best and let God do the rest” and “Hold on to the Rope of Hope.” His words will be well remembered along with his lasting legacy of love and service.

He is survived by his uncle Jesse Escamia, sister Gloria Escamilla-Delgadillo, his loving wife Cindy Escamilla, and his three children Laura Escamilla, Lisa Escamilla-Christensen, and Daniel Escamilla, his son-in-law Simon Christensen, his grandchildren Nya Caldwell, Kyla Hooper, Noah Hooper, Hailey Garcia, Jasmine Christensen, Odin Christensen, and Viggo Christensen, his great grandchildren Caylee, Louna, and Ariya, along with nephews, a niece, and many beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel Escamilla Sr. and Beatrice Escamilla, and his sister Ida Escamilla-Turner.

The family asks that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research.