Michael John Paschall

Michael John Paschall, born on October 18, 1952, in Durango, Colorado, lived a life rooted in family, hard work, humor, and love. He passed away on January 28, 2026.

Mike was born to Roberta & John Paschall and graduated from Aztec High School in 1970. He began dating the love of his life, Cynthia, in 1969 during his senior year. They married in June of 1972-just after Cynthia's high school graduation-when family was already gathered in town, a choice that perfectly reflected their practical nature and deep devotion to one another. After their marriage, Mike attended New Mexico State University before beginning his professional career.

After college, Mike accepted a job that began a series of moves for their growing family. They first moved to Texas, then to Colorado, back to Texas, and ultimately returned home to Aztec in 1989. Together, Mike and Cynthia raised five children, and their home was rarely quiet. With an open-door policy and a generous spirit, there were often additional children under their roof-friends who became family. The Paschall home was a place where everyone felt welcome, safe, and truly belonged.

Mike's greatest love was always his wife, Cynthia. Their relationship was marked by affection, laughter, and a genuine partnership, often set to the soundtrack of their love song, "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton. Family members fondly remember finding them dancing in the kitchen, sharing quiet moments, sneaking kisses, and exchanging playful gestures that reflected a love that never faded. Mike was often seen walking just behind Cynthia-not because he had to, but because he jokingly said he liked the view.

Music was a constant presence in Mike's life. He loved the Beatles and Eric Clapton but truly appreciated music of all kinds. Mornings often began with Mike playing his guitar, filling the home with the sounds of 1960's & 70's rock. He even took pride in learning and playing his children's music-because if it mattered to them, it mattered to him.

Mike was an exceptionally devoted father who believed in showing up fully for his children's interests. When the boys became passionate about skateboarding, he built them a half pipe. When the girls fell in love with volleyball and softball, he built a batting cage and a sand volleyball court at home. These were just a few of the countless ways Mike went above and beyond, always finding a way to support, encourage, and invest in whatever his kids cared about.

Professionally, Mike began working for Four Corners Drilling after returning to Aztec, later working for Justice Supply, and ultimately spending many years at Rig Equipment & Supply, where he was respected for his intelligence, dedication, and strong work ethic. He retired in the fall of 2025 after decades of loyal service. Mike valued the friendships he built throughout his career and held deep respect for those he worked alongside, especially Alvin Gonzales and Chuck Wilcox, whose camaraderie meant so much to him. He was also grateful for the lasting friendships of Benny Dusenbery and Jerry Marx. The family would especially like to thank Casey Martinez and Jeremy Cordell for their unwavering support and generosity toward Mike in recent years.

Mike was also an entrepreneur at heart. He opened and supported several local businesses that reflected both his work ethic and his belief in creating spaces for people to gather and connect. His ventures began with Excess Dance Club in Farmington and Paschall's Board Shop in Aztec and later grew into working alongside his children at Main Street Music, the Hiway Grill, and 550 Brewing Company. He also proudly supported his wife in the operation of Main Street Spirit. For Mike, business was never just about profit, it was about family, community, and building something meaningful together.

In service to his community, Mike and Cynthia served on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Aztec, New Mexico for over 30 years, where they helped pioneer the motorcycle raffles that ultimately made it possible to build a new facility-leaving a lasting impact on generations of local youth. In recognition of his dedication to his community, Mike was honored as Citizen of the Year and was proudly named an Old Sorehead, a distinction that made him smile and that reflected both his character and the town he loved.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Roberta Nell Matthews; his father, John Denzil Paschall; his brother, Keith Paschall; his sister, Diana Paschall Bullock; and his grandson, Karson Paschall.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia Paschall; their children Robert Paschall; John & Cassidy Paschall; Sean & Kara Paschall; Micah & Caleb Fiske; and Dalton & Ericah Boyd; his brother David (Robin) Paschall; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his grandchildren Reed, Laurel (Jackson), Jarod (Breyanna), Irin, Bastian, Ethan, Silas, Preston, Camielle, Nyah, Reagan, Raelynn, Drake, Jasmyne, Ryker, and Jaxon. He is further survived by his great-grandchildren Rowan, daughter of Laurel and Jackson; Ira, son of Jarod and Breyanna; Mila, daughter of Ethan; and two great-grandchildren on the way-a grandson and a granddaughter-whom Mike would have loved to know.

Above all else, Mike was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather-not only to his own family, but to anyone lucky enough to know him. He showed up through both the good times and the hard ones, offering steady support, quiet wisdom, and unwavering love. His sharp wit and subtle sense of humor often caught people by surprise, and those who caught it felt especially lucky. Mike leaves behind a legacy of love, music, laughter, and open doors-a reminder that family isn't just who you're born to, but who you show up for, every single time.

A memorial service honoring Mike's life will be held on February 22, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM, at 550 Brewing, located at 119 E. Chuska, Aztec, New Mexico-a fitting place to gather, share stories, and raise a glass in his honor.