Miguel "Mike" Esparza

Chief Master Sergeant Miguel “Mike” Esparza

January 12, 2026 · Age 89

Miguel “Mike” Esparza of Aurora, Colorado, passed away on January 12, 2026, at the age of 89, after a long life marked by service, creativity, humor, and love for his family.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Mike showed an early interest in drawing, writing, and storytelling. As a teenager, he contributed artwork to his high school newspaper and yearbook and discovered a lifelong enjoyment of journalism and creative work. After graduating, he joined the United States Air Force, beginning a career that allowed him to serve his country while doing work that suited his talents and interests.

Mike spent his Air Force career in public affairs and broadcasting, editing base newspapers and working in radio and media operations. His assignments took him across the United States and overseas, including Thailand, Japan, Greenland, and Panama. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted grade in the Air Force, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Throughout his life, Mike valued learning and communication. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Arizona and worked as a writer, editor, and broadcaster during and after his military service.

Mike was a lifelong artist and photographer who drew numerous cartoons and cartoon strips over the years. His work appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Playboy, and other publications. Creating art was never about recognition for Mike—it was simply something he loved to do, and he kept at it quietly for decades.

After retiring from the Air Force, Mike continued working in civilian roles that suited his skills, including developing training programs and later working for more than 13 years at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, where he retired as a parking operations supervisor.

Mike was known for his quiet humor, patience, and kindness. He had an easy way with people and a dry sense of humor that often surfaced at just the right moment. He loved golfing, spending time with friends, enjoying good food, and never passed up a favorite sweet or snack. These small pleasures brought him genuine happiness, especially when shared with others.

During his first assignment in Japan, Mike met his wife, Masako. After a two-year courtship, they married and shared 55 years together until her death in 2013. Their marriage was steady, loving, and deeply rooted in mutual respect.

Above all else, Mike was a devoted husband and a loving father. He took joy in his family and found happiness in the simple, everyday moments they shared.

He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Rob) and Diane (Melissa).He will be remembered as a kind and thoughtful man who enjoyed making art, playing golf, and spending time with the people he loved.