Michael “Mike” Sprouse

Michael “Mike” Sprouse, moved his party from earth to heaven on December 10, 2010. He grew up in Pasadena’s Golden Acres, and attended Golden Acres Baptist Church. Making friends and creating mischief was an art form for this 1963 graduate of South Houston High School. A man of many talents, he could sell you the one thing you never wanted to buy and make you laugh when you were at your worst. A skilled backgammon player, he loved to teach the game to adults and kids alike, and beat them at it too. Mike had a love for people; it is this love that resonates with all who knew him.

Mike is survived by his dearest mother, Maxine Virginia Johns and her husband Lewis, his beloved children, Karen Sprouse and Dean Sprouse, the apple of his eye, granddaughter, Tatum Sprouse, his step-son, Kenny Hillyard and wife Betsy. He also leaves his loving sister, Mary Smith and husband Norman, his little brother, Sid Sprouse and wife Brenda, and brother, Richard Sprouse and wife Betty.

Mike is further survived by nieces and nephews that he loved dearly, Lisa Harrison and Husband Howard, Norman Smith, Jr. and wife Kori, Robbie Smith and wife Annette, Rebecca Sprouse Deyo and husband Jeff, James Sprouse, Annie Sprouse Starkey and husband Homer, Paul Sprouse and Paige Sprouse Davis and fiancée Keith Page.

Additionally, he leaves his great nieces and nephews (Mike’s “babies” & backgammon victims) Heath Harrison and wife Rachel, Josh Harrison, Cassie Harrison, Jake Harrison, Colton Smith, Coby Smith, Justin Aaron, Lathe Aaron, Audrey Smith, Luke Smith, Ava Smith, Bo Smith, Cate Harrison, Claudia Davis, Jackson King and Liam Starkey.

Mike IS preceded in death by his father, Richard Hansel Sprouse, his Aunt Mary Katherine “Tottie” Swearingen and husband Pat, Uncle Bill Arnold and nephew Jeremy Sprouse.

A few of the special friends that Mike shared his life with include Ann, Ron, Rhonda, Allen and Becky, Trulah, Dawn, Jerry, Jodi, Jimbo, Rick and Sandra. Remembering his warm smile and bright, mischievous blue eyes are way too many family and friends to count.

A remembrance and celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 2:00pm Friday, December 17, 2010 at Fairmont Funeral Home, with viewing one hour prior to the service, starting at 1:00pm. In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions in Mike’s name may be made to the Down Syndrome Association of Houston in honor of Ava Smith; 7015 W. Tidwell, Ste-G-108, Houston 77092 or to Golden Acres Baptist Church, 2812 Pansy St., Pasadena, 77503.