Michael Anthony Hinojosa

Michael Anthony Hinojosa

July 17, 1960 - September 8, 2015

Michael was born in Houston, Texas to Cipriano P. Hinojosa and Eva Hinojosa on the 17th of July, 1960. He was the second born child of four- Cipriano Jr., Michael, Dalia, and Jimmy. They had many happy memories growing up at 13401 Darjean st. in Kinwood.

Even though Michael was shy, he was known to be a thrill-seeker, a prankster even, he liked to joke and had a great sense of humor. He was a drywaller by profession, but if he had a choice - and he usually made sure he did - he much preferred the outdoors, participating in sports, fishing, hunting, and of course, Bingo.

Growing up he played in the little league, and later joined the Kinwood Pirates, a neighborhood softball team. Little known facts about Michael are his love for music and art. He truly was gifted. Through Junior High and High School he played the saxophone in band. Long after, the family remembers him playing one of his favorites, "The Entertainer". He played it often, just for fun and enjoyment.

He was also a prolific artist. His drawings are amazing and reflect a true, natural talent, drawing the attention of others who would offer him the opportunity to study on an art scholarship. But being the natural bohemian and a lover of life, he chose to not be tied down to school.

One day while hanging out in the neighborhood, a cute girl named Rachel Zamora caught his eye. They were only 15 and 16 years old, but they became inseparable at the time. On February 4th, of 1979, his only child, daughter Jessica was born. His pride and joy, Jessica, don't ever doubt, you were loved!

He was really good with kids. The family young ones always looked to their Tio for his patience in teaching them how to fish, or cook. He was a really good cook, too. His grand kids loved him and looked forward to spending time with him. Later, his big heart was revealed when he took in Shirley's son, Matthew, and raised him as his own. He truly enjoyed spending father/son time together, even bringing him to family reunions and taking him to Rockport fishing, one of his favorite, weekend get-aways. Matthew, always remember, you were loved!

As for friends, there is no question about his loyalty to Kinwood. Long after Houston's repeated flooding had moved most of the familiar families out and away, including his own family moving to Kenswick, Michael continued to visit and hang out in the hood.

So to conclude, as you visit with Michael's family and friends, you come away with a sense of his true, inner, nature - a special place in his heart for the confused, the perplexed, the lost, the distressed, the despairing. Perhaps in his own brokenness, he found giving others what he himself needed so endlessly, brought him the most satisfaction and reward. His life may not have been perfect - but it proclaims a great gospel truth...Michael knew firsthand where the mercy seat was - and so do we - as we lean on The Lord for grace and understanding.

All of this we know. Yet, there are so many unanswered questions. Some things we may never know. We can not pretend that we are not shocked, as well as grieved by the sudden and unexpected death of Michael Hinojosa. But we can take comfort from the Apostle Paul's triumphant words in Roman's 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything, else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord."

"Dear God, grant us now your peace and comfort as we mourn Michael's death and departure; as we forgive his failings and shortcomings, for we are all in need of your grace and forgiveness. But more importantly, as we celebrate Michael's beautiful spirit and love, we look to you to give meaning to what we know- covering even what we don't understand. You alone give life meaning and offer us the gift of eternal life. We thank you that nothing in all of creation can separate us from your love. And we lean on your everlasting arms during this trying time.

In Jesus name, Amen!"

Michael is survived by:

Daughter

Jessica Hinojosa

Father

Cipriano P. Hinojosa

Siblings

Cipriano P. Hinojosa, JR

Dalia H. Carranza

Jimmy Hinojosa

Grandchildren

Daniel R. Garcia

Briseis A. Mercado

Jaime K. Garcia

...and numerous friends and relatives from Houston, Texas.

The Hinojosa family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all those who

have supported us during this time of unexpected loss.