Michael Dees

Michael Wayne Dees
August 29, 1942 – June 15, 2025
Michael Wayne Dees of Buda, Texas entered his heavenly home on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at the age of 82.
He was born on August 29,1942 as the second of fours sons to Edythe Kelly Dees and Asa Matthew Dees in San Marcos, Texas.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his oldest brother Harry (Skeeter) Dees.
His legacy will be carried on by his beloved wife of 61 years, Julia Ann Lackey (Julie) Dees; his sons, Kevin Dees and wife Stephanie and James Matthew (Jimmy) Dees; grandchildren, Kaylin Snyder and husband Tyler; Wyatt Dees, Dalton Dees, Mackenzie Dees and Avery Dees; great-grandchildren Beaux Snyder and Adaleigh Snyder; his two brothers, Kenny Dees and wife Donna, and Robert Dees and wife Marlene; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends who all loved "Mike" very much.
A 1960 graduate of San Marcos high School, Mike lived almost his entire life in Hays County, Texas. He served the United States as a proud member of the U.S Army stationed in Germany following high school graduation. A return to San Marcos following his honorable discharge allowed him to find the love of his life in Julia Ann Lackey from Georgetown, Texas. Mike and Julie were married on June 6, 1964, and initially settled in Austin, Texas. About three years later, their first son Kevin, was born and they relocated to Buda, Texas - a location uniquely situated between their hometowns of San Marcos and Georgetown. Mike found land and a small house to lease just east of Buda along IH-35, and their second son, Jimmy was born soon after. Mike, Julie, and the boys lived on this plot of land for the next 25 years along with a menagerie of cows, horses, parrots, ducks, geese and assorted wildlife until 1996 when he and Julie purchased their current home in town.
Mike worked many jobs over the years across a wide range of vocations that included setting bowling pins at the nine-pin bowling lane, swimming in the underwater show as Glurpo the Clown at Aquarena Springs, handling loan applications for Ford Motor Credit, operating farm equipment for Alexander Farm Service, driving a bus and serving as the truancy officer for Hays Consolidated ISD, and serving in law enforcement as a Hays County Sheriff Deputy and investigator and later as a Southwest Texas State University Police Officer.
He was a career father - not just to his own sons, but to many as his caring nature, quick wit and mischievous, yet trusting smile allowed him to easily build relationships and mentor and help countless people across Hays County throughout his working years.
Following his retirement he loved to be surrounded by his family and friends, especially his grandkids, great-grandkids and his patient, ever devoted and beloved wife, Julie.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00AM on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Live Oak Cemetery in Manchaca, Texas followed by a Celebration of Life at Harrell Funeral Home (1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640) with visitation at 11:00AM, service at 11:30AM and a light reception immediately following.
Pallbearers for the services will be Kenny Dees (brother), Robert Dees (brother), Rick Faught (nephew), and Mike Faught (nephew).
Honorary Pallbearers will be the "Buda Boys" and the Youth of the Buda, Kyle and Wimberley communities from 1972 to 1996.
In honor of Mike's nature, the family is asking guests to dress casually and to come with smiles to celebrate Mike's victory in life.
In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging those who wish to honor Mike in a special way to consider a gift to the Hays County Youth Baseball and Softball Association (PO Box 710, Buda, Texas 78610 or www.haysball.com) or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Mike Dees Memorial Fund at https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaigns/Mike-Dees-Memorial-Fund.