Michael Don Phelps
Michael D. Phelps, 80, died peacefully March 29, 2021 at Clearlake Hospital. He was born February 4, 1941 in Durant, Oklahoma to Leon Wyman Phelps and Eleanor (Fry) Phelps.
Mike graduated from Durant High School, Class of 1959. This was the year he would marry his first wife, Margaret Stone, with whom he had three children. In 1962 he was hired by IBM to fix typewriters. He worked his way up the ladder until he retired as Senior Analyst for IBM supporting the NASA program in 1993. During that time, he met his wife Sharon Ryder on a plane ride to Dallas, Texas and they were married in 1979, the same year he graduated from Syracuse University.
Mike is survived in addition to his wife Sharon Phelps by his brother Pat and wife Dot Phelps, sister Jane Phelps, sons David and wife Karen Phelps, Darryl Phelps, his daughter Rai Phelps, and granddaughters Sierra White and husband Chase White, Morgan Phelps and Brianna Phelps.
Mike had many talents and hobbies, many of which kept him outdoors in nature. He loved traveling with his wife, and camping with family and friends. His favorite annual tradition was his “Ph-owell Treks”. Every Fall a destination in Texas or New Mexico was selected for him and a small group to go rough it for a week. Big Bend, and the Frio River were his favorite places to camp, hike and fish. He was a lover of art, bird watching, cooking and crosswords and he could beat you in a game of gin rummy any day. He also greatly enjoyed his days spent on the golf course with the Bay Oaks Old Boys. Mike was a hard worker, good friend, and loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
His memorial service will be held on April 17th, 2:00 pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E Medical Center BLVD Webster, Tx 77598. A reception will follow the memorial service and will be held at The Admiral at Endeavour Marina on Clear Lake, 3101 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX 77586.
In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/
There is a little smiling mischief seen in Mike’s photo – truly a man who loved life, family, and friends. May many beautiful memories bring a smile to your heart.
Mike’s dry wit will be sorely missed by all of his Bay Oaks Old Boys…..he was a true gentleman….
gentle breeze and a following sea….
Oh goodness, we will all miss Mike so much, Bob thought he was just the nicest golf buddy and friend.
I will miss my best friend Mike so much. The memories of our travels and camping together for many years, are with me everyday.
I remember Mike well. He was honest guy and fun at work as well as at play. I send my condolences to his family.
We will miss Mike so much. He was our nextdoor neighbor and good friend for 26 years since we moved to texas. He was always kind, funny, and helpful. One of the good guys! Our condolences to Sharon, his loving wife. Patty and Pierre Beynet
Mike was a wonderful man, kind and caring and helpful to all family and friends.
Always the first to assist in any situation, Mike would help with the cooking, or carve the turkey, and his specialty was chili on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Mike’s chili was the absolute best. I can say this in earnest, I wish I had known Mike and Sharon for many more years and many more holidays over the years when we were all a bit younger.
I cannot adequately express how saddened I am that Mike is gone. I want Sharon and all the family to know they will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days and months ahead. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to all Mike’s family and friends. His passing is such a loss to all. He will be greatly missed.
Mike was a wonderful man; he was loyal, kind, and faithful to both family and friends. My deepest sympathy goes out to Sharon and all his family. Mike will be terribly missed. Sharon and the family will be in my prayers in the days ahead. Sue
I am deeply saddened by Mike’s passing. He and Sharon were long time friends and my thoughts and prayers are with Sharon during this difficult time. During our time at IBM we had many numerous good times. Especially remembered is Mike and Sharon’s hosting of our wedding reception in NJ along with the dress and antics that Mike and other friends added to the celebration. I will certainly miss his wit and humor. One regret was that I was unable to join Mike and other friends on one of Mike’s wilderness trips. My heartfelt condolences go out to Sharon, their children and extended family.
Mike was one of my best friends, both in my business and personal life. I will truly miss my friend. I will hold all of our memories within my heart. Sharon, with the lost of a loved one come grief but also you are left with all of the love and fond memories of your lives together. Know that my best thoughts are with you and your family in this time of grief.