Mike Pinson

November 1, 1938 – February 13, 2026

Lt. Col. (Retired) John Michael “Mike” Pinson, 87, of Harker Heights, Texas, passed away at home on Friday, February 13, 2026, surrounded by love of his family. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, leadership, and compassion that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Born on November 1, 1938, in Huntington, West Virginia, Mike was the son of Anna Beatrice Pratt Pinson and Clyde Benjamin Pinson. He graduated from the Kentucky Military Institute in 1956 and from Marshall University in 1961. As a Distinguished ROTC Graduate, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and began a remarkable military career at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Two days after his commissioning, Mike married his college sweetheart, Mary Elinor Chafin, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and shared adventure. Over more than 20 years of service, Mike proudly served his country across the United States and abroad, including assignments in South Korea and two combat tours in Vietnam. A decorated veteran, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous other commendations. He retired in 1981 as Chief of Staff of the 2nd Armored Division, having earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and superiors alike.

Education, mentorship, and service remained lifelong passions. During his military career, Mike earned a master’s degree in history from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. After retiring from the Army, he spent ten years teaching American History as an adjunct professor at Central Texas College.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Mike served the United Methodist Church with tireless devotion. Over decades of membership in Killeen United Methodist Church and later Harker Heights Methodist Church, he held numerous leadership roles, including District Lay Leader, Board Chairman, Finance Chairman, Pastor-Parish Relations Chairman, Sunday School teacher, and President of the Men of the Church. He sang in the church choir for 47 years and remained active in worship and fellowship until the very end.

Mike’s servant heart extended far beyond the church. He was instrumental in founding the Aldersgate Enrichment Center in Early, Texas, creating a place where adults with intellectual disabilities could live, work, and thrive with dignity. His insistence that society care for its most vulnerable was a defining mark of his life.

Mike was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Killeen Heights. He served as club president, District Governor, and later on the Rotary International Board of Directors. Through Rotary, he and Mary traveled the world delivering aid, administering polio vaccines, supporting hospitals, and encouraging young people to serve others with purpose and compassion.

Mike was also deeply involved in his local community, serving twice as President of the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce, President of Killeen Crime Stoppers, and in leadership roles with civic and patriotic organizations.

An accomplished aviator and businessman, Mike owned or operated multiple fixed-base operations across Texas and was among the top ten worldwide salesmen for Piper Aircraft. He loved flying and teaching others to soar. He completed his first solo flight at the age of 12 and continued flying for the next 60 years, stopping only after his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Marcia Lynn Freemon; his sisters, Carolyn Neilsen and Elizabeth Ann Pinson; and his brother, Matthew Pinson.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Mary; his daughter, Susie Galloway Dyer, and her husband, John “Buddy” Dyer Jr., of Orlando, Florida; son-in-law Bennett Carter Freemon Sr., of Keller, Texas; four cherished grandchildren, J.W. Galloway III, Maggie Galloway, Carter Freemon, and Rachel Freemon; and his brothers, Patrick and Mark Pinson.

Mike lived his faith boldly. He did not merely speak sermons—he lived them. His life stands as a testament to service, integrity, generosity, and love.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 26th at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 South Fort Hood Street, Killeen, Texas 76542.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 am Friday, February 27th at Harker Heights Methodist Church, 208 W. Cardinal Lane, Harker Heights, Texas 76548.

Burial will be Tuesday, March 3, at 2 pm at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 SH 195, Killeen, Texas 76542, where full military honors will be rendered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harker Heights Methodist Church or the Aldersgate Enrichment Center.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31