Michael Leo Laney

As a child, Michael treasured summer vacations on Kelleys Island in Ohio and at his grandparents’ home in Florida. He enjoyed ice skating, fishing, playing the piano, and bowling in his youth. Michael graduated from Vero Beach High School in Florida and later attended the University of Central Florida.

Michael began his career in information technology, working at Disney World and Data General. In 1982, while living in Georgia and managing a project in Texas, he met the love of his life, Pam. Within months, he relocated to Texas to be near her, and they were married in 1984. Together they shared 44 wonderful years, including 42 years of marriage, building a life centered on love, commitment, and family. Michael’s greatest blessing, Michael David was born in 1987, a son of whom Michael was immensely proud.

Michael’s career with American Airlines and Sabre took him around the world. Although he was based overseas for many years, he faithfully flew home every few weeks to be with his family and rarely missed the opportunity to cheer from the stands at Michael David’s baseball games. His work assignments allowed him to experience England, France, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Bosnia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Brazil, and Australia. Pam and Michael David were able to travel to some of those destinations to spend summer vacations with Michael to create wonderful memories.

Outside of work, Michael was an accomplished tennis player, winning numerous singles and doubles championships. In retirement, he found joy in spending time with his family, playing the piano, working out, reading, visiting museums, and continuing to learn. He was also a proud graduate of the Grapevine Police Department Citizen Police Academy.

Of all the titles he held throughout his life, the ones he cherished most were husband, Dad, and Papa. Nothing brought him greater happiness than watching his family grow and creating treasured memories with his grandchildren.

Michael is survived by his devoted wife, Pam Laney; his beloved son, Michael David Laney (Kassie) of Colleyville, Texas; and his treasured grandchildren, Oliver, Theo, and Madeleine. He is also survived by his sister, Sharlene Kantorowski of Akron, Ohio; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members across Texas, Ohio, Colorado, California, and Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo L. Laney and Evelyn A. Hooper; his brothers, James L. Laney and Leo J. Laney; his grandparents, Victor J. Hooper, Irma N. Lambright, and Anna M. Draime; and granddaughter Tilly Claire.

Michael will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his quiet strength, his intelligence, his kindness, his sense of humor, and the steadfast love he gave so generously. His legacy lives on in the family he adored and the countless lives he touched.

We take comfort in knowing that Michael’s earthly journey is complete and that he is now at peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior. His love remains woven into our hearts, and we look forward with hope and faith to the day we are reunited with him in eternal life.

A Celebration of Life honoring Michael will be held at the Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park. Plans are currently being made and will be shared with family and friends once they are available.