Michael Bari Cash

A Time and Place to Be Born

Michael Bari Cash was born on December 25, 1952, in Austin, TX, to the late Selena and Aaron Cash and the late Roy Robinson of Chicago, IL.

A Time to Grow, Learn, and Develop

Michael grew up in Austin, TX, attending Wesley United Methodist Church. He later became a member of Shoreline Church. He graduated from Holy Cross Kindergarten, attended Sims Elementary School, University Junior High School, and graduated in 1970 from Stephen F. Austin High School.

Michael continued his education at San Antonio College and Austin Community College studying Business, Radio, Television, and Film.

Michael joined the United States Air Force in August 1971, where he attained the rank of Sergeant and served as a Fire Protection Specialist and F-10 Fire Engine Rescue School Instructor. He received an honorable discharge in August 1976.

A Time to Work

Michael’s professional career included positions at Borden’s Dairy, Hicks Corporation KNOW Radio Station, MCI Telecommunications, the State of Texas Comptroller’s Office, Dynamic Communications, and Randolph Air Force Base Civil Service but his pride and joy was managing the family businesses, namely Mike’s Place and Midtown Live.

At the iconic Midtown Live “Where Good Friends Love to Meet”, Michael set the ambiance for all to enjoy and feel welcomed. He did not forget a face or your favorite drink. He would often have your favorite drink ready as soon as you walked through the door. He also never met a stranger. If you were new to Austin, he made sure to introduce you to his Midtown Family and assign a nickname to you by the time you left the premises.

There is a treasure trove of photos with his Midtown Family to include musicians, comedians, actors, statesmen, wrestlers, boxers, football players, and community business leaders. Michael touched the lives of many people. He was instrumental in the careers of DJ’s and musical groups and supported various charitable organizations by offering free space and proceeds from the door.

Awards, Memberships, and Activities:

• 1988: Selected for Texan of the Year Award, presented by the Texas Legislative Body

• 1985: Phoenix Award - A Tribute to Minorities in the Arts and Media-Field Radio

• City of Austin Department of Parks and Recreation, Outstanding Achievement Award

• Member: Open Air Gospel Concert, National Business League, Youth Employment Service

• Programmers Coalition: Jam City Production

A Time to Play

Michael enjoyed all music genres and loved sports, including baseball, football, basketball, wrestling, and boxing. He was a huge Dallas Cowboys and UT fan proudly displaying their flags on his truck. He enjoyed golfing and was so proud when his team won first place at the Roosevelt Leaks Celebrity Golf Tournament. Michael loved dancing, horseback riding, spending time at the farm, and watching motorcycles roll by, especially Harley Davidsons, at the Austin ROT Rally each year. He stopped at every Hard Rock Café that crossed his path to purchase a baseball cap.

While Michael was a very social person, he was also very much a family man. You could find him enjoying his family, friends, and pets at home, watching movies, or playing pool. If you were lucky, you could catch him wearing one of his cowboy hats while watching a good western movie. He loved comfort foods, chocolate milk, anything with ketchup, and coconut cake and will always be remembered for dressing up in his debonair suits and hats.

A Time to Love

Michael married Arletha Mernet Cavil-Guerrero at Midtown Live on December 22, 2012. He cherished his wife and family dearly.

Brothers and Sisters: Jo Cash-Baylor (Austin, TX), Aaron Monroe Cash, Jr. (Houston, TX), Barbara Cash Scott (Texarkana, TX), Pearl Martin Dillworth (Austin, TX), Janet Robinson Kennedy (Chicago, IL), Sharon Robinson (Chicago, IL)

Sons and Daughters: Kirstie Lenore, Brandi Nicole, Amie Jo, Andrea Selena, Justin Paul, Jason Paul, Makiah Destini

Grandchildren: Ciara, Melanie, Ominiece, Darion, Niko, Dexton III

Great-grandchildren: Khadence, Shiner, Branch, Qualex, Tru, Xavier

Many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

A Time to Go Home

After a life full of love and accomplishments, Michael was called home on January 6, 2025.

He will forever be remembered for his Texas-sized kindness, boundless generosity, and electric personality that lit up every room he entered.

To my beloved husband: "You were my rock. My knight in shining armor. Save a dance for me.”

A Celebration of Michael's life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1164 San Bernard Street, Austin, with a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to a repast and reception at Hoover's Cooking, 2002 Manor Road, Austin.

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Dear Family and Friends,

We deeply appreciate the outpouring of love and support during this time. We originally planned to livestream the funeral to ensure that everyone, especially those unable to attend in person, could be a part of the service. However, after careful consideration of privacy concerns, we have decided to record the service instead and share the recording afterward.

This change will allow us to honor Michael Bari Cash's memory in a way that feels right for everyone while still making it accessible for those who cannot join us.

Thank you for your understanding and for keeping us in your thoughts during this difficult time.

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Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you again for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We are happy to share that the recording of the service is now available to view. Please use the following link to watch the service:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctbXHsg3k7U

We appreciate your understanding and support, and we are grateful for your continued thoughts and prayers.