Michael Wayne Carroll
December 15, 1965 ~ June 6, 2020
Michael Wayne Carroll, 54, of New Braunfels, Texas, left to join the “Fisher of Men” team on June 6th, 2020, after a nearly four-year courageous journey with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET) cancer.
Mike was a proud member of the United States Air Force until his retirement in 2005 and was honored to have served his country. After his retirement, he began a career in the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), working for and alongside colleagues he greatly respected and admired. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed spending any free time on his boat surrounded by friends and family. He was an active member of the Army, Air Force Bass Anglers, considering those within the organization his brothers, and loved being involved in the community activities they were part of. He had a passion for travel, whether it was the mountains of Colorado or castles in Germany, he was always excited to visit someplace new. Considering his deep, lifelong love of ice hockey, he always thought he may have been a Canadian in an American body (Go Stars!). He enjoyed watching, feeding and talking to all of the deer, raccoons, birds, foxes, donkeys, squirrels, and cows from his back patio. Though it took longer than anticipated, he felt it was important and was persistent in earning his dual master’s degree. He will be remembered for having never met a stranger, his booming voice, and his compassionate spirit.
The greatest loves of Mike’s life were his wife of 31 years, Leanne, and their son, Justin. As a husband, Mike was devoted to making Leanne happy at whatever cost and keeping her laughing as much and as often as possible. As a father, he was fiercely proud of his son for all of his achievements and was always (will always be), his biggest fan.
He is survived by his wife, Leanne; his son, Justin; Justin’s girlfriend (future fiancée/wife), Chelsey; his mother and pop, Lana and Ernie Harper; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Wanda Howell; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Matthew and Sherry Smart; his aunt, Patricia Gilroy; his step-brothers Michael and Randy Harper, his nephew and niece-in-law, Christopher and Jessica Smart; and his niece, Kaycee Smart.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 19th, 2020 at 11am at The Village Venue, 2032 Central Plaza, New Braunfels, TX 78130. A reception with light refreshments will follow the service at the same location until 2pm. Physical/social distancing recommendations apply.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that a donation be made in Mike’s memory to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) .
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LeAnne and family, We are very saddened to hear of your loss. It was my pleasure to serve along side Mike during our time together in Germany. He was the consummate professional and a friend to all. Yumi and I remember the time Mike was kind enough to give me a ride home after work while my car was in the shop, even though I later found out you guys lived the opposite direction. Yumi invited him and got to meet Mike for the first time. She served up one of her specialties – mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on a Ciabatta bread. We had great time together and Mike lit up the room as he often would with is smile, laughter and stories. We lift you up in prayer during this most difficult time. Love, Buzz & Yumi Hackett
Absolutely crushed when I heard the news. Mike you are an amazing person and just a joy to be around. After running into you a few years back when we both were getting some fishing tackle for tournaments we had coming up, we talked like we never had a 20 plus year absence from each other. I can still hear the conversation when you told me of your battles and what it has done for your life perspective. You are the strongest most unselfish person I know and I really mean that. We talked often on and off the water and just this week when we talked I knew you were dealing with some setback but not like this. I wished I could have sensed this in your voice and seen you this week but you are very good at having a positive attitude and I missed it. I will miss you my friend and I know that we will see each other again. I will keep your family in my prayers and will talk to you when I am on the water brother. RIP love you man!!!
On behalf of the Air Force National Account Manager team at the Defense Logistics Agency, our hearts are saddened by the loss of Mike and our thoughts and prayers are with you. We pray that your memories give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Mike made a lasting impression on each member of the team and all those he came in contact with. He will be missed. Col Luther L. King
I know that Mike was well loved and respected. He had great character and a big heart. I was so saddened to hear about Mike’s passing. Please know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. My sincerest condolences for an incredibly great loss. I pray that you will have strength during this time of loss.
We love you so very much and will miss you beyond measure . Love you to infinity and beyond.
Honor to know such an amazing man, we are all here for you Leanne. Sincere condolences.
Justin, we’re so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
To Leanne, Justin and family, our hearts and prayers are with you. Mike was a wonderful, caring person and dear friend. He will never be forgotten.
A really beautiful Man in all aspects. If you met him you would remember how he loved to make you laugh and always made you feel special. He was always available to help with a spirit lifting characteristic not seen enough in this world. If you knew him, you knew he cared. Love exuded from his kind spirit. When I met Justin as a little boy, I saw the same spirit and I was pleased. Well done, Good and Faithful servant! Mrs. Ophelia Mays
Leann, Justin and family, Please accept our deepest condolences. Words cannot begin to express our sorrow. Michael was a very special man and someone that can never be forgotten. Michael’s love and adoration for life and specially for the family shows in the way he valiantly fought his sickness. Our heart goes out to all of you. Memories are forever. Luis and Mary Mercado
I am still in disbelief and just at a loss for words, really. Mike, my friend, was so full of life, laughter and kindness. He was determined and ambitious. If he could help, he did. If it needed done, he did it. If it wasn’t right, he fixed it. If he disagreed, he said it. He gave his all at all he did, too include being a friend. Leanne, because of Mike, you will always have a friend in me. I cannot thank you and Mike enough for your friendship and kindness over the years. I am so very sorry for your loss. I will continue to keep you and Justin in my thoughts and prayers. Your Friend, Christina
With heartfelt condolences, Christina, Mike, Austin and Logan
From the entire organization. Support Defend Fish
To LeAnne, Justin and the family of Mike I am sending you all my deepest condolences. I feel like I have known him my whole adult life. He could hold a conversation with anyone. Mike, thank you for showing true love for your family and friends. You my be gone but you will forever live in the hearts of many. RIP my friend
Leanne and Justin, I never met Mike in person, but I feel like we were kindred spirits. I have been his team lead at the DLA Air Force National Account Management Team for a year, but we spoke often and I was always impressed with his positive and focused attitude. He was always about how he was helping everyone he met and always looking forward to whatever comes next. In my heart, I knew him to be the bravest man I have ever met – and I have served with the best of the best in my military career. We shared similar backgrounds, both in the Air Force and later in DLA Europe and Africa. Though our paths never crossed, we were brothers. I will hold you both as members of my extended family and will always want to hear from you if you choose to reach out. Take comfort in knowing that your loved one is resting now in peace and is certainly the most valued Customer Support Representative in Heaven!
I will always remember Mike’s big smile, big laugh, and big hugs. My heart aches for all his family. Much love to you all.
Although I didn’t have the opportunity to meet Mike in person, our paths crossed because of COVID-19, he immediately impressed me with his dedication and passion. Mike was always ready and eager to help solve problems and support all efforts to help others. It became obvious to me early on in our discussions that Mike was not only knowledgeable with tremendous experience, but also a very kind and caring person. It was a true please working with him and he is sorely missed. CAPT Tim Bellott, DLA
Leanne & family, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing! I loved knowing Mike and, sometimes through photos, you as well! He was so full of life and even positive when I would see him and he’d share with me the progress of the disease and what y’all had been doing since we’d seen each other last. I am thinking of y’all and pray that the memories you shared and the God that holds you will bring comfort as you grieve and miss him. Carlene Comer
So sorry for your loss Leanne but so happy I got the chance to meet and get to know Mike. He was a light for sure and so friendly. We loved him being a honorary member of our team. God bless! Rita Rivers
With loving memories of “Michael Carroll”,
To Leanne & family, Mike and I were Logistics instructors together at Lackland. My prayers are with you. Dale