J. Michael (Mike) Wilson

It is with heavy hearts and a deep sense of sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Mike Wilson, a loving husband, an inspirational father, a devoted grandfather, and a pioneering IVF scientist. He will be remembered fondly and deeply missed; not only by his family, but by the numerous other lives he touched across his journey. He departed this world at peace on December 9th, 2023, leaving behind his wife and family, a legacy of leadership, dedication, and familial commitment.

Born May 31st, 1946, in Fort Worth, Texas, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge, experience, and wisdom in all aspects of life, all while maintaining the security and well-being of his family as his top priority. He was independent and self-reliant as a child as he was as a man. Despite being 15 years old at the time, he chose to stay in Texas when his parents departed to another state due to his deep connections to his roots. He graduated from Mansfield High School in 1964 and chose to attend Tarleton State University to pursue his passion for rodeo. He then continued his education in Veterinary Sciences at Texas A&M University due to his deep love for the equine world. It was during this time he had two beautiful daughters.

Upon graduation in 1970, he and his parents were reunited back home in North Texas, and he began establishing a cattle business with his father. He used the knowledge gained to branch out, becoming the foreman for a large ranch in east Texas before eventually starting his own cattle company in Tyler, where he met his future wife. Despite his career goals, he always remembered to pursue his external interests. It was during this time he obtained his pilot's license, choosing to carry on his father’s legacy of being a pilot. However, he discovered his true passion for education and academics through teaching at Tarrant County Junior College while pursuing his master’s in economics from the University of North Texas.

As few people do, he managed to consolidate passion and skill by obtaining his Ph.D. in the physiology of reproduction from Texas A&M in record time, becoming one of the first individuals to perform embryo transfers in equine and cattle. His scientific career then took off as an animal IVF scientist performing cutting-edge experiments in College Station. Fortunes met, and he was able to utilize his unique knowledge and skillset to become a forefather of the human IVF field and help establish the practices employed today. His impact extended far beyond the laboratory and family home; his commitment to strength, leadership, and determination resonated with all those around him. His dedication to family, science, and the betterment of humanity has left an indelible mark on the world. He will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking contributions to reproductive medicine but also for the love and warmth he shared with all who were fortunate enough to know him. He was a guiding hand, not only to his family but to the thousands of families that were made possible through his work. As a father, he was stern and meticulous. As a grandfather, he was loving and gentle. In the wise words of his grandson, “Grandad doesn’t like tears,” so we ask not to mourn his loss but rather to celebrate his life with us.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Betty Wilson. He is survived by his wife Jan; daughter Kim Schrock and husband Kent (children Brylin and Audriana) of McKinney, Texas; daughter Cristy Hutton and husband Mark (children Anna, Reagan, and Jackson) of Liberty Hill, Texas; son Cole Wilson and wife Allison (children Beckett, Everett, and Brooks) of Stilwell, Kansas; son Matthew Wilson and wife Natalie (children Lincoln and a baby girl on the way) of Littleton, Colorado; son Jason Wilson of Centennial, Colorado; and sister Janice Southall and husband Tommy of Waxahachie, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Village Presbyterian Church on Antioch, 14895 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66221. The service will be preceded by a visitation at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Resolve: The National Infertility Association or Heartland Therapeutic Riding.