Michael Lee Rickman

With a loving heart, Gay said goodbye to her love of nearly 40 years, Michael Lee Rickman, on May 2, 2026. He was deeply loved by so many and touched countless lives through his strength, dedication, and unwavering loyalty to family and friends.

Michael was born on August 28, 1956, and was raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended Skyline High School, where he formed lifelong friendships that remained important to him throughout his life. During high school, Mike earned the nickname “Bulldog” because of his physical and mental toughness and his determination to never give up — qualities that defined him for the rest of his life.

Mike was active in the rodeo world, where steer dogging was his favorite event. His mother and stepfather played an instrumental role in shaping his love for rodeo life. Throughout his life, Mike wore many hats besides the cowboy hat he loved so much. He worked in the produce business alongside his stepfather and was also a

welder, hunter, fisherman, and lifelong learner.

Mike graduated cum laude from The University of Texas at Dallas while simultaneously serving full-time as a police officer with the Mesquite Police Department. Following in the footsteps of his father, who served as a Dallas police officer, Mike devoted himself fully to law enforcement. During his years with the department, he

took on many responsibilities, serving as a Field Training Officer (FTO), breathalyzer operator, Spanish interpreter, and communications operator.

After seven years in law enforcement, Mike believed he was called to continue his education. He graduated from the Texas Tech University School of Law in 1993 and briefly worked for a state senator in Mesquite, Texas. However, law enforcement soon called him back, leading him to begin what would become a distinguished 30-year career with Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT). Fittingly, he began this journey representing Texans on Texas Independence Day, March 2, 1994. During his time with

CLEAT Mike served as a Staff Attorney, General Counsel and Corporate Counsel.

Mike traveled extensively across Texas representing CLEAT members in cities including El Paso, Lubbock, Fort Worth, Mesquite, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Brownsville. His “Bulldog” determination was evident in the passionate way he defended officers and civilian personnel in disciplinary matters. No matter the hour, if CLEAT members called, Mike responded. He was driven by a mission to provide the strongest representation possible to those who depended on him. Most recently, Mike served as an Associate Magistrate Judge for Comal County, continuing his lifelong commitment to justice and public service.

Mike's last couple of years were filled with many medical visits and limited leisure travel time. Some of the fondest memories were shared with his wife and their favorite Texas teams. Hook'em! Mike could calmly watch a game while his wife paced, cleaned the kitchen twice, and then would leave the room until the end of the game. Mike would then recap the ending like a true sportscaster. It made them the perfect sports watching team. The children will now have big sports shoes to fill!

Of all the roles Mike held throughout his life, family meant the most to him. He cherished being a devoted husband to his loving wife, Gay; a proud father to Tami, Holly, Clay, and Brady; and a loving grandfather to Jillian, Emily, Makenna, and Leighton. His family was truly his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

Godspeed, Michael. Heaven awaits as you are reunited with loved ones and welcomed into the arms of the Lord. You will be dearly missed and forever loved.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation (POMF.ORG), 408 W.

14th St., Austin, TX 78701.