Michael Eugene "Mike" Osteen

Michael Eugene Osteen was born February 12,1968 to Gene & Clydette Osteen. On October 31st,2025 our beloved Michael passed away from possible heart complications while spending quality time with one of the young men in his care at the ranch, which led to a subsequent ATV accident.

Michael was a La Marque high school graduate (1986) who attended COM for auto-mechanics. He was a man of faith who loved to work with his hands. The skills he learned from his Dad, Grandpa Osteen & Grandpa Black set him on track to work as an electrician, construction coordinator, general contractor and also as a maintenance man for various properties. He later changed career paths to work as a caregiver/property manager. Earlier this year Michael started working at Big Springs Ranch for Children as a HouseParent, with his wife Nanette. Throughout his life, Mike has lived in Texas City, La Marque, Santa Fe, Dale, Leakey, Apache Junction and Phoenix.

In his early 20's, Mike was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma and the radiation treatment he received damaged his heart and arteries. He had double bypass heart surgery in 2017. Michael really enjoyed dancing. Whether it was square dancing, line dancing, or country western fancy 2-step dancing, Mike would be out on the dance floor. He and his sister Annie had a special "clogging" rendition of the cotton eye Joe that Mike loved to perform together with her. Mike also loved animals, especially horses. That was one of the many reasons Mike and Nanette moved to the Ranch in Leakey. It has horses, donkeys, sheep, goats and a llama. He often spoke of loving the fresh air, clean water and the peacefulness of country living in Texas.

Michael was a Christian man, a caring and honorable husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, uncle, cousin and beloved friend to many. Family was everything to Mike. He is preceded in death by his father Gene Osteen, sister-in-law Lori Smith and nephew Fisher Matthews. Left to cherish his memories are his wife Nanette Osteen, and his children Jon'Michael Osteen (Becca), Theresa Baker (Brenten), Madeline Baker, Michelle Baker, Tony Baker (Tori) and Jadon Osteen. Michael was Peepaw to his 5 grandchildren – Carter, Aubrey, Harper, Matthew and Oliver. He is also survived by his mother Clydette Osteen, brothers Juke Osteen (Shelley) and William Osteen (Pam), sisters Genie Jennings (Chris) and Annie Matthews (Jason), brothers-in-laws Randy Cox (Kristen), Mike Cox and Ethan Smith, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews/nieces and grand-nephews/grand-nieces. Nanette will continue to work at the children's ranch in Leakey.

A "Celebration of Life" honoring Michael will be held at the Showboat in Texas City on Thursday, December 18,2025 from 5:30pm-9pm. Attire is super casual, but Mike was a true cowboy whose favorite color was purple… So, cowboy up or purple attire is appreciated. Can't wait for you to attend and share your stories about Michael.