Michael "Mike" Andrew Marketos

December 7, 1972 – March 15, 2023

Mike Marketos—international rock star; world-famous father, husband, brother, son, uncle, and friend; and sought-after sock model—passed away at his home in Plano, Texas on March 15, 2023 while taking a break between gigs. He is survived by his Fan Club of 1.2 million; his wife, Caralyn; his daughter, Elena; his mother, Kathy; his brother, Pete; sisters-in-law, Michelle, Louise, and Suzanne; brothers-in-law Glen and Michael; and his 9 nephews and nieces and 1 great niece.

Mike left the U.S. with his family in 1976 for a 12-year jaunt across the globe as his father, Nick, helped grow Ross Perot’s Electronic Data Systems overseas. After living in 6 different countries on 5 continents by the age of 16, Mike returned with his family to Plano in 1989 at the height of its cultural renaissance.

Mike graduated from Plano Senior High School in 1991 and went on to pursue a dual degree in Kegonomics and Northern Irish Women Studies from Texas A&M University, where he also captained the rugby team. So dedicated was Mike to his studies that, after a brief victory lap, he left A&M in 1996 with an Aggie ring, a bronze statue in his honor at Bullwinkle’s, and a gorgeous blonde from Ballyclare.

Over the past 27 years, Mike’s career success in IT consulting—including senior leadership roles with Dell, Accenture, DXC, and AgileThought—was surpassed only by his dedication to his family, friends, and community. His selflessness and compassion were always on display as he carried on his father’s legacy by coaching youth rugby with the Plano Rugby Club. His love for Caralyn and Elena is so fierce we will likely see their images emblazoned in the stars—though it might take him a week or two. Mike was his brother Pete’s best man and best friend and a constant source of inspiration for his nieces and nephews.

Mike could win a karaoke contest, dominate a conference call, coach a youth rugby practice, save a kitten from a tree, shoot 76, shotgun a White Claw, two-step with his daughter, and replace the motor in a $50 vacuum cleaner with $2,000-worth of his own labor—all in the same afternoon.

Mike was always early, always on time, and, if his friends were still there, always late. His dance moves were mesmerizing. His lowest-scored swan dive is a 10.0.

A Masters edition of Mike’s nine-volume Do-It-Yourself treatise can now be purchased at Home Depot, Aisle 11, featuring timeless pieces such as:

• College On $3 A Week (or “Selling Your Plasma”);

• Hold My Beer/I’m Holding Court;

• Adopted By Northern Ireland (Its Implications);

• Kindness Is Free;

• How To Be A #GirlDaddy;

• They Can Take Our Lives;

• But They Will Never Take Our Freedom;

• I Just Want Your Extra Time; and

• Your Kiss.

You will never catch him.

The Force uses Mike.

He is foremost the father, husband, son, uncle, brother, and friend that all men aspire to be.

When Mike’s heart failed, ours broke with it. But his spirit is unbreakable. And it is eternal.

We will love you forever.

A visitation will be held at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home on Saturday, March 25, at 1:00 pm, with funeral service following at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Plano Rugby Club: http://planorugby.com/donations