Michael Lynn Pirtle, 62, of Pine Ridge, peacefully entered into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday, May 20, 2012, with his family at his side; his work here on Earth was complete.
On December 21, 1949, Mike was born to Dorothy Alberta Adams Pirtle and Theodore Alfred Pirtle in Bonne Terre, Missouri. He resided in Flat River, Missouri, then completed a tour of duty with the United States Army in Vietnam. As Mike and his woolly ways outgrew Flat River, Missouri, he moved to Beaumont, Texas to begin a new life.
In 1978, Mike met and married the love of his life, Laura, and settled into his new life in Pine Ridge, Texas. He served as a devoted and loving husband to Laura, was an honorable father to son Jimmy, and mentor to many of Jimmy’s friends. Mike worked twenty-seven years in the industrial equipment sales field at Triangle Equipment. His successful career was no doubt attributed to his outgoing personality, dependability, and unparalled work ethic. Mike was filled with so much joy and laughter, and always wanted everyone around to laugh with him. His jokes and playfulness poured out to his friends and co-workers, but most specifically in his time with his family. It was not difficult to laugh along with his bright eyes, glowing smile, and streaming happiness. For years to come, the stories of his practical jokes will live on.
His joy-filled life in Southeast Texas can be attributed to the fact that he never met a stranger; and even as he battled emphysema in the hospitals, Mike still kept on laughing. He kept the staff, nurses, and doctors on their toes and laughing with his boundless sense of humor. Therefore, the family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Harish Seethamraju, Dr. Ramachandra Sista, Dr. Amit Parulekar, Karen Christos, and the countless other doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. With God’s mercy and their endless efforts, Mike was blessed with several more precious years with his family and granddaughters, all to whom he was totally devoted.
Survivors include his loving wife of thirty-four years, Laura Pirtle; son, Jimmy Pirtle and his wife, Shireen of Pine Ridge; granddaughters, Leyla and Alena Pirtle of Pine Ridge; brothers, Robert Lee Pirtle of Desloge, Missouri and Donald Ray Pirtle of Park Hills, Missouri; sister, Marcia Diane Kennedy of Weldon Spring, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Harvey James Pirtle and Darrell Gene Pirtle.
A gathering of Mr. Pirtle’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 24, 2012, at Broussard’s, 530 W. Monroe, Kountze. His funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 25, 2012, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Sour Lake.
