Jerry Michael ''Mike'' Lantz, age 83, of Sweeny, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Mike was born on November 25, 1941, in Vivian, Louisiana, the youngest of eight siblings. He grew up in a modest, close-knit home where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors - hunting, fishing, and exploring Black Bayou and Caddo Lake in northwest Louisiana. He graduated from North Caddo High School in 1958, excelling in both academics and athletics, particularly football and baseball.

Following high school, Mike attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he studied wildlife management and biology. His calling to serve led him to enlist in the United States Coast Guard, where he proudly served for six years as a Gunner's Mate. His time in the Coast Guard took him across the country, but it was during his stationing in Sabine Pass, Texas, that he met his first wife, Brenda Sue Deslatte. They married on August 10, 1963, and spent 23 cherished years together until her passing in 1986. Brenda was the mother of his three beloved daughters, Regina, Michelle, and Sherri, and raising them became Mike's greatest priority. He did this with sacrificial love, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication - a legacy that continues to guide their lives and families today.

Mike built a career at Dow Chemical, where he worked as a draftsman and project engineer for 31 years. Known for his integrity, work ethic, and quiet leadership, he left a lasting mark on all who worked alongside him.

Mike found love again when he reconnected with longtime family friend and fellow widow, Betty Roddy. They were married on December 27, 1996, joining their two families in a unique and beautiful way, where childhood friends became sisters.

Mike's love for the outdoors stayed with him throughout his life. He formed lifelong friendships on hunting leases and fishing trips. He had a great appreciation for wildlife and enjoyed the challenge of bow hunting. He often said he felt closest to God when surrounded by nature. As a hard-working and talented craftsman, Mike meticulously designed and built the home that would stand as a testament to his skill and love for his family, where he lived until his final days.

He also had a deep appreciation for genealogy and loved tracing his family's history. Another favorite pastime was metal detecting - an adventure he loved to share with his grandchildren. Mike and Betty enjoyed many years traveling across the country in their RV with friends, creating wonderful memories along the way. A lifelong sports fan, Mike enjoyed watching all kinds of sports year-round. He rarely missed a game and loved cheering on his favorite teams from the comfort of his recliner.

A fierce domino player, Mike's love for the game began during lunch breaks at Dow and continued for decades through trips to Lake Somerville and regular gatherings with his ''Domino Gang.'' He proudly taught his grandchildren how to play 42, sharing his joy in both the game and the time spent together.

Mike's proudest role was that of ''Pawpaw.'' He was an ever-present source of support, attending countless recitals, sporting events, concerts, baptisms, birthdays, musicals, school programs, rodeos, graduations, weddings, and more. He continued to attend every event he could, cherishing each moment, until his health declined. His consistent presence and unwavering encouragement were among his greatest gifts to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, George Homer and Lillie Carter Lantz; his first wife, Brenda Sue Deslatte Lantz; and siblings, Dorleise Thompson, Marjorie Lantz, Robert Lantz, Imogene Paris, James Lantz, Kenneth Lantz, and Melvin Lantz.

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Betty Roddy Lantz; beloved daughters, Regina (Les) Kluttz, Michelle (Jay) Pyssen, Sherri (Will) Arrington, Tammy (Mitch) Loyd, and Debbie (Stephen) Frakey; grandchildren, Tiffany (Jeremy) Binegar, Robby (Andrea) Pyssen, Courtney (Chas) Gryseels, Leslie (Taylor) Rowlett, Mallory (Austin) Worthy, Millard Loyd, Lantz Pyssen, Emilie Kluttz, Aubryn, Adalyn, and Ashtyn Arrington; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Audrey, and Chase Binegar; Sutton, Stone, and Stryker Pyssen; Luke Gryseels; and a soon-to-be baby girl Worthy. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and an honorary granddaughter and neighbor, Ellannie Tolley.

Mike lived his life with humility, strength, and a servant's heart. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and had a quick wit that never faded - even in his final days. We are forever grateful to God for the gentle, steadfast presence he brought into our lives, and we look forward to the glorious day we are reunited with him in Heaven.

Pallbearers will be his sons-in-law and grandsons: Jay Pyssen, Will Arrington, Mitch Loyd, Stephen Frakey, Lantz Pyssen, and Robby Pyssen.

Honorary pallbearers include Domino Gang members: Coke Waguespack, Dr. Tom Pruett, and Bob Hawkins; neighbors: Will Krebs and Woody Tolley; and family members: Millard Loyd, Taylor Rowlett, Jeremy Binegar, Chas Gryseels, and Austin Worthy.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Lakewood Funeral Chapel in Lake Jackson, Texas.
Services will take place at 10:00am on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at New Shores Church in Sweeny, Texas with son-in-law Les Kluttz officiating.
Interment will follow at Sweeny Cemetery in Sweeny, Texas.

The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to the staff of Sweeny Community Hospital for their compassion and outstanding care during Mike's final days.

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