“MMRB,” “Mister,” “Capt. Mike” Mike Brast, a loving husband to Marcia, a devoted father to Marcilla and Misty, and a friend to many, died on Friday, November 5. The Texas Longhorns lost a devoted fan and heaven has gained one!
Mike was born on June 30, 1943 in Overton, Texas to Melvin M. Brast and the late Jimmie Ann Hathaway.
On January 2, 1966 he married the love of his life Marcia Lou Dowden and they began a 45 year journey of love, laughter, tears, joys and triumphs. This has left wonderful memories for all of us who loved him and will miss him dearly.
Although he didn’t have sons, this didn’t stop him from teaching his girls about baseball and football. Just ask them, and they will probably teach you a thing or two!
Mike was self-employed in the tree and landscaping business. He took great pride in every aspect of his business and the satisfaction of each and every customer.
Mike served in the Army Reserves, had his private pilot’s license, and volunteered, throughout Marcilla and Misty’s 12 years of Catholic education evening classes, to sit up and wait until each child was picked up. He played in the Softball World Series in New York, was an avid hunter, and loved to snow ski. He enjoyed more than anything cooking on his smoker for every and anybody and loved antiquing with Marcia. Mike had Texas Longhorn baseball season tickets for 30 plus years and rarely missed a game. He loved to tailgate, had been a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals since he was 6 years old and insisted on recapping the sports page to Marcia every morning.
Mike was like a second father to many of his girls’ friends and there was a consistent stream of kids in the house. He always had a joke, a smile or a laugh to share with all his extra “kids”.
Mike is survived by his wife Marcia; daughters Marcilla and husband Marcus Denning; Misty and husband Ken Kieffer; father Melvin M. Brast; his “adopted” children and grandchildren Michael Wallace and wife Robyn; Ginny and husband Hank Taman and their children Austin, Tucker and Michaela; Christy and sons Zachary and Chase Wallace; and many special cousins and uncles. And one very special cat named Callie.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jesus Mirales, Jerry Prestridge, Earl Scott, Hank Taman, Ted Thayer, Michael Wallace. Honorary pallbearers will be “The Coffee Boys”.
Family and friends are invited to visitation at Harrell Funeral Home located at FM 2770 & Kohler’s Crossing, 1715 Kirby in Kyle on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, 11 a.m., at St. Anthony Marie Claret Catholic Church located at 801 North Burleson in Kyle with interment at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery in Bellville, Texas at 2 p.m. Friday.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions may donate to The American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society or St. Anthony Marie Claret Catholic Church.
If you happened to look at the UT tower the night of November 5 you would have seen a beautiful burnt orange glow. We like to think that this was a send-off for a life well lived.
