Michael Shortis

Michael was born on August 23, 1941, in New York City to Michael Joseph Shortis and Loretta (Kramer) McClelland. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen, a place that shaped both his work ethic and his gift for storytelling. If you ever had the chance to sit and listen, you probably heard one of his many unforgettable stories.

Michael started working at just 11 years old, carrying groceries, shining shoes, delivering newspapers, and working as a messenger.

The day after his 18th birthday, Michael enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, beginning what would become the proudest chapter of his professional life. He remembered that when he graduated from Parris Island and was finally called a Marine, he thought the button on his uniform was going to pop off because he stood so proudly. During his 15 years in the Marines, he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, served at the U.S. Embassies in Hamburg, Germany, and Paris, France, and completed two combat tours in Vietnam—first in the Infantry and later in Counter Intelligence. His service earned him numerous honors, including the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.

After the Marines, Michael continued serving his country in the United States Army for five years as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 with the 312th Military Intelligence Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division in Killeen, Texas. His career later included time with Sears before joining the Drug Enforcement Administration, where he served in Houston, San Antonio, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and recognitions for his dedication and contributions to the DEA and US Customs.

Michael believed in learning throughout life. He graduated from Power Memorial Academy in New York City and later earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from American Technological University.

On July 13, 1974, Michael married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth (Eutize) Shortis, in Woodbridge, Virginia. Together they built a life filled with adventure, laughter, and more than a few moves—from Virginia to Texas, and Georgia—before settling in Porter, Texas.

While Michael was proud of his military career, nothing meant more to him than his family. He often said his proudest family moment was being present for the birth of his daughter, Lori, and getting to hold her immediately after she was born. He never missed the chance to tell the story of carefully rolling her under a sun lamp to help with newborn jaundice.

Michael had a lifelong love of books and rarely met a bookstore he could walk past without going inside. He enjoyed collecting and shooting firearms, and his ideal vacation involved a beach view from a comfortable balcony—admiring the ocean without ever feeling the need to get sand between his toes. He also possessed a remarkable ability to laugh at his own jokes, often before anyone else had the chance.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 52 years, Mary Shortis; his children, Lori Marie Shortis and AC Draken; his brother, Frank Shortis and wife Kathy; his half-sister, Joanne McClelland; sister-in-law Kathy Beckwith and husband Gene; nieces and nephews Karen Shortis and Marc, Kelly (Shortis) Lawrence and Matthew, Shane Sedell and Julie, Todd Sedell and Ginny, and Kelly (Sedell) Emilio and Michael.

A short graveside service with military honors will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the USO (United Service Organizations), whose mission of supporting America's service members reflected values Michael carried throughout his life.

The family is grateful to Kingwood Funeral Home for their care and assistance with arrangements.

A life filled with service, stories, laughter, and love leaves a legacy that will not be forgotten. Semper Fidelis, Michael. You stood proudly as a Marine, faithfully as a public servant, and most importantly, lovingly as a husband, father, brother, and friend.