Stephen Michael "Mike" Gibson

Stephen Michael Gibson, known to family and friends as Mike, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 17, 2026, surrounded by those he loved most, after a courageous 15-year battle with leukemia.

Mike was born on January 13, 1959, in Dallas, Texas, to Reuben and Phyllis Gibson. He was a devoted older brother to his sister, Sandy, whom he loved dearly and protected throughout their lives together.

During his elementary school years, Mike's family moved to Houston, Texas, where he would spend the remainder of his life. He attended Rummel Creek Elementary, Memorial Junior High, and Westchester High School, graduating with the Class of 1977. At Memorial Junior High, he played football and starred in school plays. At Westchester, he excelled as a pole vaulter and built friendships that would remain among the most treasured relationships of his life.

Following high school, Mike attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. After college, his adventurous spirit led him to the Rocky Mountains, where he spent several unforgettable years skiing, bartending, and embracing a chapter of life he often recalled as some of his happiest.

Eventually, Mike returned home to Houston to be near family and begin a career as a landman in the oil and gas industry. He quickly established himself as a respected professional and built lifelong friendships along the way. Among those friendships was his partnership with Byron Yateman, with whom he worked side by side for more than two decades.

In 1987, Mike met the love of his life, Julie Graham. He was quickly welcomed into the Graham family, where he formed especially close bonds with Julie's brothers, Murphy, Johnny, and Barney, who became some of his greatest friends. He also shared a deep and mutual love with Julie's parents, Anne and Bill Graham, whose presence and influence were a cherished part of his life. Mike and Julie married in 1988 and built a beautiful life together. They welcomed their first son, William Graham Gibson ("Graham"), in 1990, followed by Stephen Michael Gibson Jr. ("Michael") in 1991. The family settled back in Houston's Memorial area, where Mike and Julie had spent much of their youth and would go on to build a lifetime of memories together, remaining there for the rest of their lives together.

Mike embraced life with enthusiasm and passion. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, skier, guitar player, music lover, cook, pitmaster, and film connoisseur. Yet of all his interests and accomplishments, nothing brought him greater joy than investing in people. Mike had a unique gift for making others feel valued and cared for. Whether as a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, friend, colleague, or neighbor, he gave generously of his time, wisdom, humor, and heart.

Above all else, Mike was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Julie Gibson; his sons, Graham Gibson and Michael Gibson; his daughter-in-law, Megan Gibson; his cherished grandchildren, Colton, Owen, and Claire, who brought immeasurable joy to his later years; and his faithful Labrador, Poppy, who was a beloved companion. He is also survived by nine beloved nieces and nephews, including Logan Gibson, who held a special place in Mike's heart and whom he loved as one of his own children.

Mike's legacy lives on in the countless friendships he nurtured, the family he loved so deeply, and the lives he touched through his kindness, loyalty, and generosity.

A Memorial Service celebrating Mike's life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:00 am at Ecclesia West Campus, 325 Piney Point Road, Houston, Texas 77024.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who knew Mike honor his memory by spending time with loved ones, sharing a good meal, enjoying the outdoors, and investing in the friendships that meant so much to him.