Michael Ray Brasher

Michael Ray “Mike” Brasher was born on August 24, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia and peacefully passed away at his home in The Woodlands, TX on Friday, April 4, 2025 at the age of 79. He will best be remembered for his great sense of humor and deep love of his family, especially his wife of 45 years, Jan. He was an expert on every Western ever filmed, especially if it starred John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. He was also a connoisseur of corny jokes, a passionate sports fan, and an expert on the game of Basketball. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil R. “Pete” Brasher and Jeanne L. Brasher, his son, James Michael Brasher, and his daughter in law, Kristen Brasher. He is survived by his wife, Janice “Jan” Brasher, his daughter, Kimberly Boudreaux (Kip) of Slidell, LA, and his sister, Danielle Brasher Rapp (Jim) of The Woodlands. Grandchildren – Mitchell Boudreaux and Lauryn Boudreaux of Slidell, LA, and Amelia Brasher of The Woodlands. Nephew – Tyler Rapp (Bentley) of The Woodlands.

Mike’s early years were spent living all over the United States with his military family. They were last stationed in Monterey, CA and after his father’s Naval retirement they settled in Carmel, CA. While living there, Mike attended Carmel Mission’s Junipero Serra School through 8th grade and was a dedicated Altar Server for many years at The Carmel Mission. He could still recite most of the Mass in Latin. He graduated from Carmel High School in 1963 where he played Football, Baseball, and Basketball for the Padres. He also had a talent for playing the drums, much to the chagrin of his family. After high school, he went on to play Basketball at Monterrey Peninsula College. His family moved to Texas in 1965, built a home in Oak Ridge North and he attended Sam Houston State University. He was called to serve our country in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

Mike began his professional career at Cameron Iron Works in Houston, TX. He went on to work for WKM Valve and Keystone Valve. He had extensive knowledge in Sales, and rose to leadership positions. As an International Sales Manager, he traveled worldwide to serve his clients, mostly in the Orient and Brazil. Above all travel though, he most enjoyed going back to visit his beloved Carmel with Jan. A piece of his heart will always be there as he cherished fond memories of Big Sur, Pebble Beach, The Lone Cypress and driving his metallic blue ’57 Chevy that he restored. Through the years, he enjoyed attending his class reunions and remained life-long friends with many there.

In the 70’s you could hear his DJ voice, “Ray Michaels”, coming across on Radio Station KMCO/KNRO in Conroe. This led to him to being an extensive collector of music throughout his life. He spent several years enjoying the DJ work alongside his friend, Mary McCoy. After bathtime, he would say “Good Night” via the air waves to his children, Kim and Jim. He also did some modeling in Houston while in his twenties and exercised his acting abilities locally at Conroe’s annual “Shootout” during the Go Texan season.

Mike’s greatest passion and joy for 40 years of his life was running up and down a basketball court officiating games at the high school and collegiate levels. During the season he spent much time traveling Texas roads, getting his ankles taped, and being a part of a referee crew. In the off season he mentored, taught and critiqued younger officials. He knew his craft well, practiced it with fidelity and was respected by his peers. As a Basketball official, he belonged to TASO, NASO, GSOA, and SBOA professional organizations. In the community, Mike was a member of St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

He will long be remembered for his ability to make others laugh, smile, or groan as he shared a joke. Even towards the end, he lightened up his hospital room by joking with the nurses. There were times in his life when he was all business, but there were more times when he was playful and goofy. He was smart, outgoing, personable, genuine, strong, silly, loyal and very protective of those he dearly loved. If there was something you casually mentioned that you liked or wanted, Mike would make sure it showed up as a gift for you. He made a huge impact on many throughout his lifetime.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the community of Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Parish in The Woodlands, Father Pat Garrett, Gina Ramirez and all those at SSJ who have been so kind and compassionate during his illness. You provided strength and hope.

1 Corinthians 15:22 – For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

A Rosary and Rite of Christian Burial Mass will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 26777 Glen Loch Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77381 with Father Pat Garrett officiating. Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the parish hall.

Here are links to view online if you cannot attend:

https://www.facebook.com/ssjwoodlands/ or https://www.youtube.com/ssjwoodlands

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Simon and Jude Knights of Columbus. C/O 26777 Glen Loch Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77381.