Michael (Mike) Revo Denison
Michael (Mike) Revo Denison entered Heaven to the open arms of his Savior on April 12, 2022. He was born November 22, 1938 to Everett and Katherine Watson Denison in Dallas, TX. When Mike was in 1st grade in Dallas, he and his parents moved to Lewisville, TX where he remained until after high school graduation in 1957.
Mike is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Donnie Mills of Ennis, TX. Over the course of their marriage, they lived primarily in “The Bluebonnet City” of Ennis. They were active members of the community and the First United Methodist Church. There they raised two children, Chuck and Michelle. In 2002, Mike and Donnie moved to Ft Worth, TX to be closer to family and Mike’s work at Rodney D Young Insurance agency as Human Resources Director for most of his career. After his beloved wife, Donnie, died in 2016, he remained in Ft Worth where he retired.
In 2018, he married his new sweetheart, Frances (Fran) Blair of Cisco, TX, who was also widowed and a good friend of Mike and Donnie in previous years. Mike and Fran were married on Mike’s 80th birthday in 2018. They enjoyed the short time they had together until the time of his death with Fran by his side. The Heart to Heart Hospice agency provided him comfort in his final days.
He is survived by son Chuck and wife Bodwin of Laramie, WY; daughter Michelle Valentine of Richardson, TX; grandchildren Zeke and wife Devin Denison, Zanna Denison, Drake Denison, and Val Valentine. In addition, he is survived by brother David and wife Judy of Highland Village, TX, and sister Cindy Pritchett and husband Marcus of Denton, TX. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother James Timothy “Tim” Denison.
Mike was a founding member and one of the builders of Lewisville Bible Church. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Ennis then Arborlawn United Methodist Church of Ft Worth where he gave decades of service, i.e. usher, Sunday School teacher, and board member. The theme of Mike’s spiritual identity has always been ecumenical and inclusive.
Mike played many sports for the Lewisville Fighting Farmers and graduated Salutatorian of the 1957 class. During high school and a short time afterward, he played guitar in a band called “The Rockets” which consisted of classmates. His childhood and high school friends remained among his most important relationships for his entire life. After high school, he attended Texas A&M University and graduated from University of Texas at Arlington.
He loved reading God’s Word and listening to gospel music, particularly the Gaithers, as well as many genres of secular music. He also loved reading all types of books, driving the countryside, singing, eating (particularly Cajun & Thai food), telling jokes, reminiscing, visiting with his many aunts, uncles and cousins, and most of all spending time with his family.
A Celebration of Life for Mike will take place on April 30, 2022 at 11 a.m. in the Arborlawn United Methodist Church Chapel, 5001 Briarhaven Rd, Ft Worth, TX. Flowers may be delivered directly to the church where a sign on the church doors will give instructions for delivery. His interment will take place for family on Monday, May 2nd, at Greenwood Memorial Park in Ft Worth, TX under the direction of Greenwood Funeral Home.
Memorial gifts may be made to: Arborlawn United Methodist Church: Online – https://www.arborlawnumc.org/giving. Go to: “Give Online,” click on “Helping Hands” in the dropdown menu. By Mail – Send to the church address with a designation of “Helping Hands.” Navigators: Online – www.navigators.org/staff/23791833 (Mike’s great nephew’s ministry). By Mail -Navigators, P. O. Box 6079, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6679. Memo on Check: Acct # 23791833.
