Mike Willingham

July 28, 1945 – February 1, 2020

Mike "Papa Bear" Willingham was born July 28, 1945, in Duncan, OK, to Bonnie and A.B. Willingham. Mike grew up in the Panhandle of Texas and graduated from Stinnett High School and attended West Texas State University. After college, Mike went into the Army and was in the First Aviation Platoon Cavalry. Upon leaving the Army, Mike moved to California to begin his lifelong career in the Oil and Gas industry. After spending a large portion of his life in the Permian Basin and the Fort Worth area, he finally settled in Cypress and most recently served on the Board of Directors' for the Bridgelands HOA.

Mike was a lifelong fan of all sports; NASCAR, basketball, golf, and especially football. He was a member of the Red Lot Hot Shots tailgate team during the Texans home games and enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie and A.B. Willingham, his brothers Tommy Don, James Leon and his wife CJ Willingham. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jodi; sons, David Willingham, Justin Reynolds (and wife Lisa), Danny Willingham (and wife Deanna), Taylor Eychner (and wife Hannah), and Brayden Eychner (and wife Meghan); sister Mary Willingham Sommerfeld (and husband Bob); 11 grandchildren; as well as many other family members and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at Cypress Creek Christian Church. Mike will be wearing his jeans and invites everyone to please wear theirs as well.

Mike will be missed most of all for his love of family.

In lieu of flowers, Mike asked that donations be made to:

M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

In memory of David Mike Willingham

P.O. Box 4486

Houston, TX 77210-4486

Or www.mdanderson.org/gifts