Michael Barry Dulaney

Michael Barry Dulaney departed this life on May 16, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 20, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Haskell with Rev. Bill Glass officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Willow Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home. Visitation is planned from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Sunday evening, May 19 at the funeral home.

Mike was born and lived most of his life in Haskell, Texas. In 1999, he began managing Dulaney Abstract Company, in addition to his own business, to help his aging parents. He worked at the abstract company and supported them for the rest of his life.

Mike was a man who did nothing by halves. He lived his life with passion every day, with boundless energy. He was a classic jack-of-all-trades. Whether the task at hand was carpentry, welding, complicated electronics, gardening, barbecue or even plumbing, he didn't just get the job done, he had to master the skills behind it and do the job as perfectly as possible. His last major project was to completely rebuild his own kitchen by hand. Whatever he could dream up, Mike could draw it, build it, or repair it!

Mike was blessed with a family that eventually expanded to six "kids" and eleven grandkids. He delighted in teaching his grandchildren new things and giving them new experiences. When they showed an interest in archery he bought them bows and commenced lessons the same day. When they needed sheep pens he gave up part of his yard and started building. When they competed in athletics he drove hundreds of miles to cheer them on. For the older kids he always had a ready ear and a willing hand – and always had advice based on a lifetime of experiences of all kinds.

In his later years, Mike became increasingly devoted to studying the Word and seeking an ever-closer relationship with Jesus Christ. He wanted everyone he met to experience what he had found in the Lord and talked about it to everyone he met.

Mike quietly and generously gave of his time and efforts to help others – a fact that was known to so many individuals, but unknown to his community at large, because he adamantly refused praise and would not let anyone reciprocate.

As his family and friends gather to celebrate his larger than life figure, we remember him for his love of family, his loyalty to his friends, his humor, his unmatched ability to never run out of stories to tell, and last but not least, his exquisite smoked brisket. Most of all we are inspired to do as he did; to grab life with both hands and really live it, making the most of every precious day.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, James Barry Dulaney.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanie; 2 daughters, Wendy Dulaney Egelston and Sarah Dulaney Lee; 1 son, Sean Dulaney; 1 step-daughter, Erica Martin; 2 step-sons, Jeffrey Hollingsworth and Kyle Hollingsworth; 11 grandchildren; his mother, Betty Jo Dulaney; brother, James Dulaney; and 2 nephews.

If desired, memorials can be given in Mike's name to the American Cancer Society.