Weldon Mike Kyle II was born on December 24, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, to Weldon Mike Kyle Sr. and Mavis Vermilyea Kyle. He died on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at his home in Waskom, Texas, at the age of 74.

Mike grew up and attended schools in Elysian Fields, Texas, where he graduated in 1968, but, as he liked to say, he got to Waskom as soon as he could after meeting Sue Blackshear at the Dairy Queen one Saturday night in 1970. Mike traded his orange for maroon, and the two were soon married and made their home in Waskom, where they were nearly inseparable for the next 54 years.

Mike graduated from Panola College and then began his career at General Electric in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he worked as a welder for 32 years. Mike was a skilled craftsman who enjoyed welding, woodworking, and furniture-making.

Mike rarely could be found sitting still. In his younger days, he loved water skiing and playing tennis. He also enjoyed watching and attending sporting events for his favorite teams, the Cowboys, Braves, Rangers, and Celtics. He was an avid supporter of the Waskom Wildcats, and on most Friday nights, he could be found at the 50-yard line or on the top row, mid-court in the gym, cheering on the teams.

He loved traveling with Sue, shopping in Canton, watching his grandchildren in their various activities, listening to oldies, wearing his boots and starched jeans, working in his yard, "piddling around" in his workshop, putting up Christmas light displays, videotaping everything, and he could never turn down a chocolate shake.

Mike was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2000. For 24 years, he lived his life to the fullest, even with the limitations of Parksinson's. It is a devastating disease, especially for someone who lived such an active life, but Mike fought to the end. He participated in clinical trials and experimental treatments and procedures, hoping to find ways to help others diagnosed with this disease. He maintained as positive an attitude as possible, often joking and making light of his symptoms and prognosis.

Mike was truly one of the kindest souls around, with a heart for giving and helping others. He had a gift for making everyone around him feel welcome and loved. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Waskom, where he served as the custodian for 18 years, was chairman of the ushers, and helped out in any way he could.

Mike is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sue Blackshear Kyle, and their daughters and husbands, Julie and Michael Allwhite, and Melanie and David Waldon. He is also survived by his grandchildren Bailey and Andrew Swan, Chaney Allwhite, Nathan Waldon, and Marley Waldon. His first great-grandchild, Lola Swan, is due in July. He is also survived by siblings J.P. Kyle and Libby Wynne. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Mike and Mavis Kyle, and his sister Pat Williamson.

A graveside service will be held for Mike at Restland Cemetery in Waskom on Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m. Memorial donations can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.