Michael Dean Shell, 54, of McKinney, Texas, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2021. He was born January 4, 1967, in Topeka, Kansas, to parents Larry and Eunice Shell. He graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, Oklahoma, where he was a State Champion fullback. As an entrepreneur, he successfully started, ran, and sold several businesses. Mike defined himself, however, in three ways: Christian, husband, and father. He said, "That's really all that matters." He was unwavering in his commitment to God and family. Every dinner in Mike's home began in prayer. He prayed for his friends and family daily. Mike called his wife, Shannon, his "buddy," and they were rarely seen apart since marrying in 2010. Mike cherished time with his family, including his four kids and the friends he called family. He was gifted at forming long-lasting, meaningful relationships. He loved spending time in the Colorado mountains, always sporting a cowboy hat or a fly fishing rod. Ever the Kansas City Chiefs fan, Mike never missed a game on TV and would gladly teach friends how to become "Raider Haters." Mike got his pilot license in his late teens and flew all around North America. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, and traveling and filled his days with trips around the world with family and friends; but, he equally loved nights at home around the fire pit. He loved our country and respected and supported the United States military and police. He even became deputized by the Jerome County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office – a badge he proudly wore daily. Mike was loved for his huge smile, strong hugs, dance moves, generous spirit, protective nature, and prayerful heart. Mike's favorite scripture was Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Mike is survived by his wife, Shannon; his son, Michael Shell and wife, Leah; his son, Eric Shell and wife, Kristi; his daughter, Sarah (Shell) Stark and husband, Adam; his daughter Kylie Belle-Isle; his grandson, Barrett Abel Dean Stark; the mother of Michael, Eric, and Sarah Shell, Sandy Shell; his mother, Eunice Shell; his brothers, Larry Shell and Blayne Shell; his sisters, Christina Lutz and Linda Conner; many extended family members; and, countless friends whom he called brothers and sisters.
He is preceded in death by his father, Larry Shell; and, his cherished grandparents.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Prestonwood Baptist Church Faith Chapel in Plano, Texas, 6801 W. Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093. There will be an attendance limitation of 250 in the chapel. Once this limit is met, all others will be able to view the service via live stream.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Mike's name to SWAT Round-Up International (floridaswat.org) to sponsor small city/regional police officers’ participation in their globally-recognized training summit.
Link to the program for service:
https://issuu.com/live-prosper/docs/mike_celebration_program?fr=sMjg0NjI2NTYzMzE
Link to watch the service live: