Mike Negrete, Jr.

          Memorial services for Mike Negrete, Jr., 72, of Lufkin, will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Knottin Top Venue in Lufkin.

          Mike was born on March 31, 1952, in Ft. Worth, Texas, to the late Mike Negrete, Sr. and Dolores Ramos. He passed away on November 27, 2024, at the age of 72, at a hospital in Kingwood, Texas, surrounded by his family.

          His parents instilled a strong work ethic in him at a young age, he took pride in any job he had. He often reminisced about his younger days when he worked with his dad at Hobbs Trailers and later at Standard Meats with his mother.

          Mike moved to Lufkin in the late 70’s. He first found employment with Lufkin State School, then Brookshire Brothers Warehouse. In 1990, he started working for Lufkin Industries Foundry and retired 23 years later.

          Mike grew up attending Church of Christ, with his parents and siblings and later dreamed of becoming a preacher. In the early 90’s, his faith was at its strongest. He jumped right in and fulfilled his dream and traveled around to local churches, preaching God’s word.

          It was in Lufkin that he met his first wife, and legally adopted her son, Kevin. Later they welcomed Mike’s only biological son, Danny. After his divorce, Mike met Hannah and legally adopted her children, Hayli and Cadyn.

          After marrying Hannah, he felt he was given a second chance at life. He enjoyed having a devoted wife and young children again. Not only did he love watching them grow up and providing for them, he enjoyed being able to relive the childhood and younger years he felt he never got to experience.

          As his kids grew up, he loved watching them excel in school, receive awards for their accomplishments, and thrive in their social lives. He never failed to mention how proud he was of all of his children.

          Outside of work, he looked forward to making memories with his family, going on family trips, high school football games, and enjoying great foods. He had a strong love for NFL football. He liked many different teams but was most loyal to the Dallas Cowboys.

          He was a longtime member of Lufkin First Assembly, later renamed Timber Creek. He faithfully served the church by greeting people, ushering them to their seats, monitoring the parking lot, and making sure the coffee pot was never empty. He made many new friends and was deeply loved by the members of Timber Creek Church.

          Mike is survived by his wife, Hannah; daughter, Hayli; sons, Cadyn and Danny; grandchildren, Gabriella, Jake, and Cooper; siblings, Catherine, Ben, and Mark; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

          He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and sister, Frances.