James Michael “Mike” Asby’s death on November 18, 2025, at his home in Centerville, Texas, has left his family, friends, and community grieving the loss of a man whose life radiated faith, love, and unwavering service. He was 71.
Born on May 8, 1954, in Navarro County, Texas, to Aubrey Hulon Asby and Mary Virginia Asby, Mike lived a life defined by devotion.
He cherished his faith, honored his family, and embraced every opportunity to uplift the people around him.
His marriage to his high school sweetheart, Ann, spanned more than fifty years, and together they raised three sons — Cameron, Marcus, and Jeffrey — grounding their home in kindness, humility, and integrity.
Mike poured his heart into fatherhood. He often said, “Ann raised them, I just played with them,” a lighthearted line that captured his joy in being an active, playful presence in his children’s lives.
His commitment extended far beyond his own family, as he coached countless young athletes in baseball and basketball.
A lifelong Houston Astros fan, he endured years of heartbreak before celebrating two long-awaited World Series championships.
In recent years, he found his greatest joy in cheering for his eight grandchildren.
Fishing, a passion passed down from his father, remained one of his most treasured pastimes.
Public service was the backbone of Mike’s life. After graduating from the Texas Department of Public Safety Training Academy on June 12, 1975, he dedicated more than fifty years to protecting and serving Leon County and the State of Texas as a Texas State Trooper.
He mentored generations of younger officers, modeling calm leadership, fairness, and respect.
In Centerville, Mike was known not just for his badge, but for the compassion he carried into every situation.
Whether responding to emergencies on Interstate 45 or offering a quiet prayer to someone in distress, he brought humanity and grace to difficult moments.
His character commanded respect — not through authority alone, but through the dignity with which he treated others.
Mike’s service extended well beyond law enforcement. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Centerville for thirty-three years and taught Sunday School for more than three decades.
He guided youth at church camps, supported families in need, and lived out his faith with gentle consistency.
His commitment to young people shaped his eighteen years on the Centerville I.S.D. school board, where he championed education and community support.
Many also knew him through his antenna and satellite installation business, where he approached every customer with honesty and neighborly care.
Through all seasons of life, Mike’s faith remained steady. His gift for offering comfort, wisdom, and connection shaped countless lives.
In every sense, he stood as a pillar of strength — a quiet, steady presence who lifted spirits and set an example of Christian grace.
Mike is survived by his wife, Ann; his son Cameron and wife Carin, and their children Anna Kate, Betsy, Leo, and Mary; his son Marcus and wife Megan, and their children Clark and Helen; and his son Jeffrey and wife Adrienne, and their children Elaine and Andrew.
He is also survived by his siblings — Sheila Thomas and husband Roy, Sharon Hamrick and husband Edd, and Paul Asby and wife Cindy — along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and his loyal dog, Harley. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Eric Brown Asby.
Those who loved him will carry his legacy forward. As Psalm 112:6 promises, “Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.”
A memorial service honoring Mike’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Cowboy Church of Leon County in Centerville, Texas, with Pastor Tony Moye of First Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Church Children’s Camp Fund, P.O. Box 609, Centerville, Texas 75833.
Arrangements are entrusted to Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas — a Walters Family Funeral Home.
