Michael Luevano

Born on May 10th,1956 in Merced, California to Michael Villalovos Luevano and Mickey Mariscal Luevano, Michael Stephen Luevano was the second child in a family of four children, which included his beloved big sister Andrea Navarro, younger brother Ed Luevano, and baby brother Chris Luevano.

Michael attended Sheehy Elementary School, Tenaya Middle School, and Merced High School, and graduated in 1974. He also attended Merced College. From an early age, he was captivated with book studies and developed a great wealth of knowledge, which later earned him the reputation of being the “Internet before the internet.” He often helped siblings with their homework assignments, conveying a kind patience that would continue later on in life with assisting his own sons with their homework assignments.

In his childhood, he and his brother Ed ventured on several hunting trips with their father. He also developed a diverse love of music, starting with the Beatles mania of the sixties, the funk R&B of the seventies, and the classic rock of the eighties. He once met one of his musical idols Carlos Santana. After high school he became a professional DJ at various parties and gatherings in Merced. He attended an abundant amount of live concerts with his brother Ed, and later on with his sons, as his musical influence was infectious.

He succeeded at everything he set his mind to, including earning a fancy Schwinn bike from summer paper routes, to designing two of his own houses that had skylights (he loved skylights). After college, Michael took up a profession in the drafting industry, drawing plans for future building construction sites in Merced.

In 1978 he met, fell in love and married his first love, Maria Coronado. Together they had two sons, Joshua and Aaron. He cherished his sons very much, they were the pride of his life. He loved being a father, he bestowed his knowledge and sense of humor upon his boys.

In 1980 he acquired his first drafting engineering job at LOH Co., followed by a drafting engineering job at Merced county. In 1985 he was hired at Merced City Hall, along with his soon-to-be close friend, Ken Elliot. He also drafted private property plans on the side. In 1990 he transferred to Turlock City hall for many years until he became a building inspector for Stanislaus county in Modesto in 2000.

He admired military service as his father served in the US Air Force. Continuing his father’s tradition, he took his boys to many air shows at Castle Air Force base over the years. He also grew close to his former brother-in-law and retired Air Force Pilot, Bill Ferrato. He very much appreciated his friendship as they were both cancer survivors.

While in Modesto, he met, fell in love and married his second wife, Michelle Berge, his “Baby Doll.” After retirement, he would become an onsite building inspector for Merced County with his own inspection truck, collecting stories of "Idiotic" violations that he had to write up.

Michael adored camping. One of his favorite spots was Hendy Woods in the Anderson Valley where he loved taking his boys and later Michelle, who also shared his love of camping. His paella dish was first class. He had a passion for sailing in the San Francisco Bay and in Lake Yosemite with his buddy, Mike Allen. He enjoyed golfing with his longtime friend Ken, and he cherished visiting his sons and granddaughter, Kaia, at Avila Beach. These were memories he spoke about endlessly.

He was the most loyal person you would ever meet. He would help you move furniture without hesitation and expect nothing in return. He would come to your aid if a bully was tormenting you. He was extremely wise and loyal. In his later years he enjoyed retirement with his “Baby Doll,” attending countless live concerts and taking care of their many fur babies. His favorite cat “Annie” will miss him tremendously. He had the best life motto which he posted as a sign in his backyard until his untimely passing: "Life is Good.” :0)

Michael is preceded in death by his father Michael Villalovos Luevano and his mother Mickey Mariscal Luevano.

Michael is survived by his sons Michael Joshua Luevano and Aaron Stephen Luevano. His wife Michelle Luevano. His sister Andrea Navarro (Michael Navarro), his brother Ed Luevano (Dora Perez), his brother Chris Luevano (Martha Luevano) and a host of relatives and friends.

Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Luevano family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Sierra Calvert, Funeral Arranger.