Michael “Mike” Wayne Schexnayder, 59, of Denver, died Sunday, May 7th, at Reunion Rehabilitation Hospital, where he was recovering from a Stroke he suffered on Easter Sunday, April 9th. While in the Neuro ICU at Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, they discovered that he had very aggressive, terminal stomach and liver cancer that was ultimately responsible for ending his life precisely four weeks after admission. Before his Stroke and Cancer diagnosis, Mike was an incredibly active and hardworking man with no known health issues. He had even recently passed his DOT Physical to renew his CDL.

Mike, AKA as “Cowboy,” “Wayne,” “G,” and “Chiggy” to his loved ones, was born in Wilmington, OH, on February 8th, 1964, to John Pergie & Mathilda Schexnayder. His father preceded him in death after a freak accident while serving in the Army when Mike wasn’t even two years old. His mother was pregnant at the time with his sister Jessie. He was raised by his mother, Mathilda, and Stepfather, Vernon J. Fisher Sr., whom he referred to as “Pops,” along with his three younger siblings, Angela “Jessie” Schexnayder, Linda Gale Fisher, and Vernon “Peck” Fisher Jr. in Plaisance, LA. As the oldest sibling, he took on much responsibility, always looked after his loved ones, and was incredibly close with his mother. He was known to them all as their protector. If they needed his help, nothing could stop him from getting there.

He graduated from Plaisance High School in 1982. Shortly after he enlisted in the Air Force in 1983 and was stationed in New Mexico at Holloman Air Force Base. Michael was a true patriot and was incredibly proud to serve his country from 1983 -1987, and above all else, he was a prominent supporter of the 2nd Amendment. While stationed in New Mexico, he met his wife Susan at White Sands National Monument on July 13th, 1984. Exactly one year later, they were married and would have celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary this July. In 1990, the couple relocated to Colorado. In 1994, they welcomed their only child, Dustin Michael Schexnayder, now 28 yrs old and living in Denver.

Mike was a true “Renaissance Man” who could do almost anything. He lived to work and serve others and spent his career trimming trees, building and remodeling homes, and driving over 4 million miles across the country as a truck driver. In his free time, he loved hunting, fishing, perfectly manicuring his lawn, and offering his considerable expertise to anyone in need. He was always someone you could count on and was famous for responding, “I’m on my way,” before you could even ask for his help. Despite his rugged exterior, he had a soft spot for kids and dogs. He loved his two Boston Terriers, Wishbone and Weller, and they were often found patrolling the neighborhood for bunnies. He was larger than life, and all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him would agree.

Mike is survived by: his wife, Susan, and his son Dustin of Denver; his mother and stepfather, Mathilda and Vernon Fisher of Opelousas, LA; his mother-in-law Lynne Peek, of New Mexico; his two sisters, Jessie Doucet and Linda Gale Meche, of Louisiana; brother and sister-in-laws Shawn Begnaud and Chris Meche, of Lousiana, Michelle and Dusty Collins, Steven Peek, and Laura Peek, of New Mexico, and Anthony and Megan Gulli, of New Jersey; and Mike is also survived by seven nieces and nephews and eight grand-nieces and nephews: his goddaughter Chelsea St.Julien and her five children, Seth Doucet and his daughter, Lacey Richard and her two children, and Tristin Meche, all of Lousiana, Casen Collins of Wisconsin, and Ava and Joseph Gulli of New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his father, John Pergie Schexnayder, and his younger brother, Vernon “Peck” Fisher Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home in Lakewood, CO on Thursday, May 18th beginning at 3 pm for visitation and the service immediately following at 4 pm.

Another Celebration of Life will take place for his family and friends in his homestate of Louisiana at Sibille Funeral Home in Opelousas, LA, on Sunday, May 21st, from 10 am for visitation and the service immediately following at 11 am. He will then be taken to his final resting place at Cedar Hill Cemetary in Washington, LA, directly following the service with Military honors for his service to his country.

To send condolences or leave a special message for the family, please visit NewcomerDenver.com and to provide additional support; a GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/daadf18a) was set up by a close family friend to help the family with medical and funeral expenses, and lost income.

Mike's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.