Michael Keith Pabst

Michael Keith Pabst, age 40, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away Friday, May 5, 2023. He was born to Maryann and Bill Pabst in Columbia, Missouri on November 12, 1982.
He possessed a boisterous laugh, a gentle curiosity, and put his entire heart into his powerful hugs. He enjoyed classical music, strange facts, spirited dancing, and being outdoors, especially bicycling and bird watching. Michael generously performed the most rudimentary tech support for his family. He loved his rabbit, Bun Bun, his cat, River, and lavished all pets with the sweetest kindnesses.
Michael had an unusual mind and an equally unusual educational path, auditing summer classes at the University of Missouri in middle school and quickly exhausting the math curriculum at Hickman High School. He attended Stanford University and Stayed in the San Francisco Bay Area for several years, programming for tech start-ups seeking to make lasting, positive change in the world.
Michael was idealistic, brilliant, and exuberant. He was also often overwhelmed and heartbroken by the scale of troubles in the world and felt betrayed by his inability to eradicate them. For years, he struggled with self-acceptance, belonging, and his mental health. He returned to Columbia to be closer to family. His family and friends hope that he has found the peace that eluded him for so long.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Bill Pabst, and his grandparents, Dorothy (King) Honek, Dorothy (Elledge) Pabst, and Alvia Pabst. He is survived by his mother Maryann (Honek, Bailey) Pabst, his siblings Chris Bailey, Alison (Pabst) Dubbert, and Emily Pabst, his brother-in-law Jason Dubbert, his niblings Fiona Dubbert and Asher Bailey, his aunt Kathy Mitchell, his cousin Sam Mitchell, and many other family and friends.
In honor of Michael, please take time to support your own mental health or that of someone you know, in whatever way is beneficial. Please also consider donating to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or The Missouri House Rabbit Society.
Please join his family in a Celebration of Life on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at The Broadway Hotel, 1111 E. Broadway in Columbia, Missouri. Friends and family are welcome anytime between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm to celebrate and honor Michael.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.parkermillard.com.