Michael S. Backus

On the morning of February 19, 2018, Michael “Mike” Steven Backus, age 63, passed peacefully in his sleep with his children by his side, following progressive multi-organ failure after a recent heart attack.

Mike was born on July 20, 1954 in Pensacola, Florida. One of five siblings of a navy family, they relocated many times during his childhood, yet he most fondly spoke of their years in snowy Omaha, where they all learned to ice skate on an ice pond rink his dad built in their backyard. Mike loved being a Boy Scout and was especially proud of becoming an Eagle Scout, earning his medal while in Omaha. After graduation from high school, he attended Hill Country Bible College in San Marcos, TX where he met Deborah Jayne. They were married in 1978 and soon had 2 children, John and Allison, who were the joy of his life. He was a voracious reader, particularly of scientific texts and the Bible, and liked to show off the “library” in his home, which displayed many of his intellectual pursuits and self-taught crafts throughout his life. He once dreamed of attending the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis as a chemistry major and building an underwater eco-driven city aimed to reduce and eventually eliminate oceanic pollution. Although those plans changed, his exceptional aptitude in math and science was highlighted in his success as a carpenter, technician, and chemist. He was a highly skilled craftsman, a skill he passed on to his son John, and his passion to use science to improve the world around him lives on in his daughter Allison, who is now a pediatric oncologist.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald “Doc” Backus and Mildred Jo Ann “Jodie” Backus and sisters Mary Maude McGinness and Jessica Anne McDonald.

He is survived by his son John Isaac Backus of Wimberley, TX, daughter Allison Caren Grimes of San Antonio, TX, brother Jim Backus of Smithville, TX, and sister Shannon Davis of Harlingen, TX, and three grandchildren Ayden Robert, Riley Isaac, and Hannah Grace Grimes, and several nieces and nephews Aaron, Angel, Justin, Chelsea, Shane, and Logan and their families.

He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend who had a heart for the Lord, a sharp mind, skilled hands, and a deep love for his family.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 2pm at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home with Rev J.J. Wicke officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to Boy Scouts of America, 6912 W. Expressway 83, Harlingen, Texas 78550.