Mike Stewart

Michael “Mike” Stewart

Michael Leon Stewart, a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend completed his earthly journey on September 14, 2025 at the age of 67 in Tyler, Texas. Born June 24, 1958 in Kilgore, Texas, Mike grew to be deeply rooted in the land, the community, and the values that shaped him into the man so many cherished.

Mike was a cowboy at heart and a country man through and through. He loved wide-open spaces, the quiet strength of the land, and the honest work that came with it. He lived life with the grit of a cowboy and the gentle soul of a caretaker, whether he was riding horse trails with his daughters, tending to his beloved raccoons-Old Man and Mikko-or simply soaking in God’s blessings with music that lifted his spirit.

A master craftsman and woodworker, Mike poured his creativity and heart into everything he built. His skill and work ethic became as much a part of his legacy as his artistry. Known affectionately as “The Raccoon Man,” his humor and uniqueness touched the lives of everyone he met.

Mike was never afraid to be himself. With a sense of humor that could light up a room and an unwavering loyalty to those he loved, he brought comfort, joy, and laughter wherever he went. He never pretended to be perfect; instead, he embraced being “perfectly imperfect” and encouraged others to do the same without care of judgment. That honesty, paired with his love and acceptance, left a lasting mark on everyone blessed to know him.

More than his talents, though, Mike will be remembered for his enormous heart. He never let anyone feel left out, and he made sure his daughters, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren always knew they were seen, heard, and loved. His home was a gathering place, filled with warmth, laughter, and memories where his playful spirit and protective nature shone. He reminded those close to him that the people we love in life are what truly matter.

Mike’s proudest roles in life were being ‘Dad’ to his three daughters and ‘Pawpaw’ to his grandchildren. He treasured every moment with them and poured his heart into creating memories that will last a lifetime; whether it was a simple laugh around the table, a ride down a country trail, or one of his many lessons about love, loyalty, and living true to yourself. His children and grandchildren were his greatest joy, and his legacy lives on in the love they carry forward.

He is survived by his beloved daughters Brandi (Jason Trotter), Micha (Dustin Cox), and Danielle (Donnis Lewis II); grandchildren Anna, Lincoln, Everett, Ryder, and Bentlee; his sisters Delight (Carl) Fails and Dianna Bass; his brother Gary (Kathy) Stewart; his lifetime best friend, Lola Rawson; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Maureen Stewart; his twin brother Wayne Stewart; and his brother-in-law, Larry Bass.

Mike’s life was a reflection of God’s blessings, and his spirit lives on in every story told, every laugh remembered, and every “Have I told you I love you today?” whispered in memory. Though he will be deeply missed, those who knew him find comfort in imagining him reunited with his parents and brother once again and riding on Heaven’s wide-open trails.

The family will receive visitors Thursday September 18 from 5-7 at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore, and funeral services will be held on Friday September 19 at 1 at Crossroads Community Church in Kilgore, Tx. In honor of Mike’s life, the family asks that you keep his children, grandchildren, and siblings in your prayers as they navigate this time of grief, and that you carry forward his legacy of humor, loyalty, love, and the freedom to live unapologetically as your perfectly imperfect self.