Micheal Lee McManus

Micheal “Mike” Lee McManus, 76, passed away on December 21, 2025, exactly where his heart always was—at home on the farm in Eustace, Texas, the same place where his life began. He was born in Eustace to Walter Lee McManus and Constance Allsopp McManus, who raised him with the values that shaped the man so many came to love. After a courageous 2½-year battle with lung cancer, Mike finished his fight with the same quiet strength, grit, and grace that defined the way he lived.

Mike was raised in Eustace and graduated from Eustace High School in 1967. He never missed a chance to brag that he finished 11th in his class—out of 12, a joke he loved almost as much as he loved telling it. Those who knew him knew that Mike never took himself too seriously, but he took life, work, and family very seriously.

After high school, Mike went to work for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Dallas, Texas, beginning what would become a remarkable 40-year career. Along the way, he was drafted into the United States Army, serving his country in Korea and later at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, where he completed his service as a Military Police officer. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E5, a distinction that reflected his leadership, discipline, and dedication. After his military service, Mike returned to Coca-Cola and stayed until retirement—proof that loyalty and a strong work ethic were simply part of who he was.

Retirement didn’t last long. Mike decided he wasn’t finished yet and took on another role he loved—driving a school bus for Eustace ISD. For ten more years, he safely carried kids to and from school, retiring for the second time with just as much pride as the first.

Mike’s faith was steady and genuine. He was a longtime member of Eustace First Assembly of God Church, where he served on the deacon board for nearly 30 years. He lived his faith quietly, consistently, and humbly—never flashy, always faithful.

At home, Mike could usually be found “piddling” in the barn, building his next chicken coop, tending his garden, riding the tractor, or cooking outdoors. He had many hobbies, but his favorite was cooking in a Dutch oven over an open fire, where he found just as much joy feeding people as he did making them laugh. He loved gathering friends and family around, sharing a meal, a story, and a good time.

One of Mike’s newest and most unexpected cooking partnerships came during his hospice care, when he formed a special bond with his nurse, Russell Caldwell. Mike proudly taught Russell how to cook in the Dutch oven, passing along not just recipes but a genuine love for the craft—something Russell embraced wholeheartedly. It was a reflection of who Mike was: always teaching, always connecting, always finding joy in the simple things, even in the hardest season.

The farm wasn’t just where Mike lived—it was where he felt most content, most himself. He truly lived the words of Philippians 4:11:

“I have learned, in whatever circumstances I am, to be content.”

And content he was.

Mike was the kind of man who could light up a room without trying. He was the life of the party, always cutting up, pulling pranks, and keeping everyone laughing. To many, he was simply Uncle Mike—a title he wore proudly and lived fully—loving his many nieces and nephews dearly and making each one feel special.

Above all else, Mike was a husband, a daddy, and a papa. He shared his life with his wife of 58 years, Elsie Groom, and poured his heart into being Daddy to his one and only child, Brandi Sutton, whom he was incredibly proud of and always placed on a pedestal—her biggest cheerleader, fiercest defender, and constant source of encouragement. He welcomed her husband, Chance Sutton, as his own, and his greatest joy was being Papa to his one and only granddaughter, Chloe, who held his heart completely.

Mike was also a devoted brother to Geraldine Koller and Pam Dowell, and he cherished the Groom family, who were not just relatives but a source of deep love, laughter, and belonging throughout his life.

Mike’s legacy isn’t found in grand gestures or loud accomplishments—it lives in laughter around the table, faith lived daily, food shared from a Dutch oven, dirt on work boots, gardens grown, barns built, and a family deeply loved. He showed us that a good life doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be full of love, faith, and contentment.

And Mike had all three.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire Hospice Plus team who cared for Mike with compassion, dignity, and kindness during his final days. Your care will never be forgotten.

A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. at First Assembly of God Church in Eustace, Texas. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Moorehead Melton Cemetery in Eustace, Texas.