Michael W. Rich

Michael "Mike" Wayne Rich, a cherished husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away on October 20, 2025, in Andrews, Texas, at the age of 72. Born on August 16, 1953, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Mike lived a life marked by dedication, humor, and an unwavering love for his family.
Mike leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. His wife of nearly twenty years, Vickie Rich, remembers him as her rock and constant companion. His children, Ashley Rich and husband Donny, Jamie Lemaire, Ben Anderson, Caitie Purdy and husband Alex, and Chris Anderson, recall their father as a man who taught them the value of hard work and the importance of family. He leaves behind two siblings Tommy Rich and Danita, and sister Rhonda Rich and stepmother Sandy Rich.
His grandchildren, Bailee, Carter, Kylee, Rowan, Kohan, Maddox, Gage, Kaitlyn, Lexi, Waylynne, Brooks, Chandler, and Daniel, will forever cherish memories of a grandfather who could fix anything and always had a joke up his sleeve. Ellie, his great-granddaughter, will grow up hearing tales of her great-grandfather's kindness and warmth.
Mike served as a Mechanical Supervisor at Phillips 66, where his expertise and problem-solving skills were greatly valued. His passion for fixing things extended beyond his work life into his personal interests; he was an avid collector of antique tractors and had a talent for rebuilding race car engines. Mike's family frequently relied on him for direction when things needed repair or fixing.
Mike's sense of humor was as legendary as his ability to repair the irreparable. His family fondly recalls that if Mike didn't pick on you, it meant he didn't like you. This unique way of showing affection brought joy and closeness to his relationships, leaving a trail of laughter and smiles wherever he went.
Mike is now reunited in heaven with his parents, Doris Marie Beasley Rich and Robert Clad Rich, his son Robert Michael Rich, and his brother Carl Rich. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at two o'clock in the afternoon at Denton-Wood Funeral Home located at 1001 North Canal Street, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, with Pastor Doyle Glass his father-in-law officiating. A burial will immediately follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens located at 1700 E. Wood Ave., Carlsbad, NM.