Michael “Mike” David Carruthers

Michael “Mike” David Carruthers of Fort Worth, Texas went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, June 11, 2017, at the age of 68.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Biggers Funeral Home, 6100 Azle Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76135.  Pastors Bill Earley and Charlie McLaughlin will officiate.

Born in Brampton, Ontario, Canada on December 14, 1948, Mike spent his youth in the Toronto area. He met and married Judy Carruthers and they adopted a daughter, Leslie Ann. After separating, Mike moved to Texas in 1981. He met his beautiful bride, Donna Denman Carruthers shortly after, and they were married in 1983 in the Lower Rose Garden at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. He was a devoted husband to Donna for 33 years. Mike, Donna, and Judy developed an amicable relationship, and over the years even became friends.

Mike was a member of The Glory Church in Hurst, and an active member of his community for more than 35 years. He had a very special place in his heart for troubled youth. As an ordained minister, he volunteered at the juvenile detention center in Gainesville mentoring young people with drug and alcohol problems. He also worked with Hungry Kids International, flying to orphanages in Mexico with his close friend, Greg Rosario to deliver meat and supplies. He worked hard to ensure no child went hungry.

 
After more than a decade as a dedicated employee at GTW Construction, Mike decided to venture out on his own and in 2005 opened the doors of Denman Group, Inc. Named for his late father-in-law and friend, W.O. Denman, he and his wife Donna, along with Tammy Smith and Raymond Salazar, grew a successful business rehabbing multi-unit residences throughout the DFW area. He was very proud of the company he had built and the life he was able to provide for Donna and their family.

 
Mike loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed the “Go Fast” world of drag and sprint boat racing. A member of the Southern Drag Boat Association, he took pride in restoring his own boat, working with his crew, and racing with friends out on the lakes around Texas. Living with one foot on the edge, he also loved his motorcycles and over the years owned, rode, and restored Harley Davidsons. Mike also loved to travel with his wife, experiencing new things and places. Donna said of Mike, “he taught me how to live life.” They have been all over the world together with notable trips such as an aerial tour of Hawaii in a helicopter, cruising the southern passages of Alaska and around Nova Scotia, and driving across Europe to ski in Austria. One of the most memorable ski moments was of him taking off down a black diamond run the very first time he skied following his brother-in-law, Rod straight down. But of all the amazing experiences Mike had in his life, the times he enjoyed the most were those spent camping with friends and family at Joe Pool and Grapevine Lakes and on Mustang Island. He was often seen taking the kids out on the boat to tube, and was known for grilling up his famous burgers and ribs for the whole bunch. He hosted the annual Redneck Reunion, a gathering of family and friends at his home, creating many wonderful memories for all. Mike had a way of making anyone and everyone feel welcome, and did whatever he could to make sure each person was out having fun!

 
Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Rogers, beloved brother, Douglas John, father-in-law, W.O. Denman, mother-in-law, Evelyn Denman, and brother-in-law, Rodney Brown.

 
Mike is survived by an assortment of mixed nuts. He was a loving husband to Donna Denman Carruthers of Fort Worth, Texas, and father to Leslie Ann Carruthers Sipsas of Toronto, Ontario. Devoted uncle to Douglas Carruthers, Lynette Carruthers, Bernadette Carruthers-Arambula, Michael Carruthers and wife, Jennifer, Jason, Catherine, and Jennifer Nieuwenhoff, Chase Brown and wife, Dawn, Brett Brown and wife, Jennifer, and Ashley Brown. He was a doting Papa to Christian, Madeline, Kaylin, Jon, Ryan, Michael, Bryce, and Dylan Carruthers, Caitlin Lopez, Sienna, Athan, and Vivienne Sipsas, and newest member of the family, his great-grandson, Jaxsen Michael. A brother to Cherie Nieuwenhoff, and brother-in-law to Macajo Brown. A proud Dog Dad to Stormy Carruthers (the stray puppy rescued from a Dallas storm drain in 2013). Mike had many brothers and sisters in Christ, and countless friends.

 
Mike embraced, encouraged, and loved those he held dear, and had a special place in the hearts of so many.

 
In lieu of flowers, donations to your local Salvation Army to ensure no child goes hungry are appreciated.

 
A special thanks to the Baylor All-Saints doctors and ICU nursing staff for their compassion, support, and outstanding care.

 
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34