Michael Edward Pace

Michael Edward Pace passed away on September 11, 2025 from complications related to Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a disease he had bravely battled and had been in remission from. He was a fighter to the end. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Ankur Varma, MD and Juan Carlos Rico Crescencio, MD, as well as the entire UAMS team in Little Rock AR, for the exemplary care Mike received.

Mike was born on January 29, 1947, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Harold and Betty June Pace. In high school, he became a two-time Oklahoma State Tennis Champion and later attended Oklahoma State University on a tennis scholarship.

On June 17, 1967, Mike married the love of his life, Connie Lou Smart. At the time, he was proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. Mike and Connie were married for 58 wonderful years, during which they raised three children: son Tom and daughters Leslie and Christie.

Following his six years of military service, Mike attended the Bear Valley School of Preaching in Denver, Colorado, which began his lifelong ministry. Over the next 53 years, Mike served faithfully in several congregations, preaching and spreading the gospel. Congregations including Scenic and Weaver Church of Christ in Springfield, MO; Mammoth Spring, AR; Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, AR; Senath, MO; El Dorado Springs, MO; Buffalo, MO; and most recently, assisting the Willard, MO congregation. In addition to ministry, earlier Mike worked at Office Concepts of Missouri in Springfield.

These years brought not only spiritual growth but also lifelong Christian friendships that remain a blessing to this day. Wherever the Lord's church led them, Mike and Connie felt at home.

Mike found joy in many simple pleasures. He loved spending mornings at the NLA Café with friends before heading to work at Christian County Enterprises in Nixa, MO. He had many interests- an avid fisherman, always a golf enthusiast, and above all, a man full of life and energy. But more than anything, Mike loved his family deeply and unconditionally.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Betty Pace; his sister Lisa Vaughn; his in-laws, Dale and Othel Smart, with whom he shared a very special bond; and his beloved sister-in-law, Sally.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Connie; their children: Tom (Ami) Pace of Harrison, AR; Leslie (Bo) Dickinson of Maumelle, AR; and Christie Sweeney of Spain. He also leaves behind his sister Judy Utt of Chanute, KS; four grandchildren: Evan Pace-Sweeney of Key West, FL who he served as a father figure; Emily (Jordan) McKinney of Berryville, AR; Kaitlin (Sam) Kossow of North Little Rock, AR; Ryan Leonard of Little Rock, AR; and a bonus grandson Skyler Dickinson of Fayetteville, AR and three great-grandchildren: Sawyer and Eleanor McKinney, and Barrett Kossow—born while Mike was in Maumelle.

Mike’s faith and dedication had a profound impact on his family and all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Union Hill Church of Christ, with Steve Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Patterson Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.