Michael Joseph Mullally

Michael Joseph Mullally, of Granbury, died peacefully in his sleep on April 24 at the age of 85. Mike married Phyllis Ann Wangler in 1954 and enjoyed 64 years of marriage before her passing in 2018. Together they raised five children: Susan, Michael Jr., Jane, Stephen, and Kevin, all of whom attended college. Everyone who met him was immediately aware of how proud he was of his family. His life was his wife, his children, the Church, public service, and his golf game. Nothing pleased him more than someone inquiring about his family.

Born January 18, 1935, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Mike was the ninth of 11 children born into a family of second-generation Irish Americans. A devout Catholic, he was enrolled in the seminary to become a Catholic priest when he later met his beloved Phyllis. He made a life changing decision to leave the seminary, marry Phyllis, and start a family; having five children in seven years. Mike began working for the United States Postal Service in 1958. In 1964, he became a U.S. Postal Inspector. His storied career involved cases ranging from organized crime to bombs and fraud. Mike was assigned to the Kansas City Justice Department Organized Crime Strike Force for eight years. He was also instrumental in drafting legislation strengthening Missouri’s laws on child pornography, receiving a Missouri Senate Resolution of Commendation.

Mike and Phyllis moved to the Pecan Plantation golf community in 1985, where he later served as Treasurer for the Pecan Plantation Owners Assoc. (PPOA). They immediately became members of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. An active member in their parish, Mike was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a regular worker at the Lenten fish fries and Bingo. He initiated the annual Father Costigan Golf Tournament, to raise parish funds and honor the beloved Irish priest. Also, Mike was a dedicated Meals on Wheels driver for 22 years, which he continued until his passing.

In 1988, he accepted a position with the State Bar of Texas, serving as Senior Investigator, where he supervised investigations to protect the public from unethical lawyers until retiring in 1998. His zeal for public service continued and he was elected to a seat on the Acton Municipal Utility District (AMUD) board later that year, eventually becoming Board President. Following an absence from AMUD during Phyllis’ illness, he was reappointed to the board last year. He was still serving at his time of death.

An avid golfer, Mike relished competing and socializing with his close group of friends. He shot his age on his last round, just days before his passing. Ever the Irishman and a gifted story-teller, he regaled in sharing tales involving the successes of his children and grandchildren, his true love and best friend Phyllis. In all things, he relied on his faith in God, a good laugh, and sharing a bourbon with friends and family. During his last year he found great comfort participating in “Starting A New Life”, a grief sharing ministry where he’ll be missed.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis; his parents, William and Daisy; his brothers, William, Aloysius, John, and Patrick; his sisters Elizabeth (Schumacher), Mary (Wiest), and Esther (Reis). He is survived by his five children, Susan (Mrs. Merlyn) Knapp, Michael (Julie), Jane (Mrs. Michael) Higdon, Stephen (Melanie), and Kevin (Jerri); his brother Frank, and his sisters, Jeanne (Mrs. John) Joyce, and Annrita (Mrs. Jerry) MacLaren.

Grandchildren include Patrick Mullally Knapp, Erin (Mrs. Blake) Schrimpf, Katie (Mrs. Mason) Deinema, Mallory (Mrs. William) Grauberger, Stephen J. Mullally Jr, and Michael A. Mullally.

Great grandchildren include William Grauberger, Isabella Grauberger and Tate Schrimpf.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Sister Loyola Foundation in Mike's memory. Please contact [email protected].