Mike lived a life full of joy, laughter, and meaningful connections. A proud alumnus of Louisiana Tech University, he played basketball during his college years and later remained active in the world of sports as a referee, coach, and scorekeeper at Lee Hedges Stadium. He also worked at SWEPCO and Watertown and spent time teaching and mentoring others. Whether he was on a golf course, in a deer stand, or on the sidelines of his grandchildren’s sporting events, Mike found joy in every season of life.
Mike never met a stranger, and he was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. A longtime and faithful member of Rose Park Baptist Church for over 40 years, he was lovingly teased for occasionally falling asleep during the sermon, a memory his family cherishes. He deeply valued his church family for the fellowship and spiritual growth it brought him.
Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Patty Gosdin; his loving children Tina Tomasek (Trey), Mary Zagone Parker (Mark), Pam Calhoun (Cameron), Nathan Armstrong, and Shelley McWilliams; grandchildren Summer Tomasek, Cody Armstrong, Hunter McWilliams (Haley), Caleb Armstrong (Mai), Baylee Parnell (Zach), Austin Jordan, Hannah Armstrong (Bobby), Nolan Tomasek, Avery Zagone, Poppy Calhoun, and Crawford Calhoun; his brother John Gosdin (Susan) and sister Lisa Smith (Cliff) along with seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Nelda Gosdin, and his brother Steve Gosdin.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rose Park Baptist Church, 5560 Buncombe Rd, Shreveport, LA 71129. A Celebration of Life will follow on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM, also at Rose Park Baptist Church. Interment will be at Antioch Cemetery, Simsboro, Louisiana.
Serving as pallbearers are Trey Tomasek, Mark Parker, Cameron Calhoun, Cody Armstrong, Nathan Armstrong, Hunter McWilliams, Austin Jordan, Nolan Tomasek. Honorary pallbearers include Caleb Armstrong, Trenten Parker, and his beloved golf buddies.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mike’s memory to Gingerbread House Bossier, an organization dear to his heart: https://gingerbreadhousecac.org.
The family extends special thanks to the compassionate staff at Willis-Knighton Health System and Encompass Health for their care and support during Mike’s final days.
Mike’s legacy of laughter, love, and loyalty will live on in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered.
