Michael "Papa" Joseph Phelan, 70, of Mansfield went to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer Wednesday, March 19, 2014.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made out to Christian Brothers of the Midwest.
Mike was born to the late James and Mary Phelan on Oct. 25, 1943, in Chicago, Ill. He graduated from St. Mel Catholic High School in 1961 and attended DePaul University.
He married the love of his life, Jane Kathleen "Kathy" Phelan, in 1966, and they lived together in the Chicago area, before relocating to Texas in 1989. Mike retired from The Associates Commercial Corp. as vice president of sales after years of service.
He was an avid golfer and could always be found near the 18th hole when he wasn't traveling or volunteering. He spent his life exploring the world, including his favorite location, Ireland.
Mike was an intelligent man that knew the value of humor and Irish wit. He was a man of faith and was co-chair of fundraising for St. Jude raising thousands of dollars for a new church. His generous spirit helped many organizations, including his volunteer efforts at Methodist Mansfield Hospital. His legacy lives on.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Capt. James Phelan of the Chicago Police Department. Survivors: Papa is survived by his wife, Jane; loving children, Mary Ellen and Eric Heimann of Austin, Dawn and Mark Brandenburgh of Tulsa, Okla., James Phelan of Chicago Ill., Kathleen and Travis Dodd of Burleson and Megan and Brandt Elias of Tulsa, Okla.; eight grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Ann Kotas. |