Michael John DeZura, 68, of Sparta, MO, the beloved husband of Sheryl, went home to his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 24, 2016 from injuries sustained from a car accident. Michael, affectionately known as Mike or Big Mike, was born October 27, 1947 in Haxtun, Colorado to the late Michael J. DeZura and Mina (Gates) McCutchen. He married Sheryl on March 20, 2011, and she takes comfort in knowing Mike is now with the Lord, dancing on streets of gold. Mike had a larger than life take charge personality. He served fearlessly in the Lord’s army, loved fiercely, relentlessly pursued the Lord’s calling and walked humbly with the Lord. He was a mighty prayer warrior who lived a life of worship and faithfully served local ministries and churches, friends and neighbors, acquaintances and strangers. Mike was a gifted and energetic man not afraid to tackle any job. He was a Switchman for the Missouri Pacific Railroad prior to owning a tow truck business and a car dealership. He worked as an oil rigger with Brown and Root, worked construction and loved to buy and sell old cars. During his time with his children in New Orleans, he became lovingly known as “Pappy” by his friends and family. Mike was also known for giving loved ones nicknames and often started conversations with “Here’s the deal …” He had an entrepreneurial gift, was an excellent cook and loved to travel, always finding the best local food. He never met a stranger and consistently sowed into the lives of others, responding to people’s needs. He loved his home, his family and friends, and his pets, rescuing many that crossed his path. Mike is survived by his wife Sheryl; his four children: Kathleen Willie and husband Allen, Covington, LA; Michelle (DeZura) Anthony, Portland, OR; Michael J. DeZura II, New Orleans, LA; Stephanie (DeZura) Haigler and husband Jeffrey, New Orleans, LA; three stepdaughters: Nicole Walsh and husband Adam, Shreveport, LA; Jessica Miller and husband Eric, Austin, TX; Michelle Rapagnani and fiancé Ryan, Louisville, KY; three grandsons: Houston Anthony, Logan Anthony, and Connor Willie; sisters Harriet Biarnesen and Cindy Newkirk; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sister Mary “Kathy” Wallace and his brother John Loos. To honor Mike’s legacy, donations may be sent in lieu of flowers or gifts to: House of Hope Ministries, 510 West Silsby, Springfield, MO 65807 (www.houseofhopeministries.org).1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, March 29, 2016 in Dogwood Church of Nazarene with Pastor Michael Peebles and Pastor Reggie Micham officiating. Burial will follow in Bruner Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, March 28 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.
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Tony & Sheri Ingrassia says
March 26, 2016 at 8:41 pmSheryl… we love you and we are praying for you! You are in our thoughts, our hearts, and our prayers at this difficult time. As we celebrate Easter this weekend we’re reminded of the hope we have in Christ… that Jesus has conquered death… and one day there will be a grand reunion where we will be reunited with those we love… to worship God together forever. Much much love… many many prayers… many many blessings on you in Jesus’ Name!
Mark and Kathy Levesque says
March 26, 2016 at 9:39 pmDear Sheryl, Family and Friends,
We were very sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. We will really miss him but we take comfort in the sure and certain knowledge that we will see him again. Kathy and I were very blessed when Michael and Sheryl’s visited us a few months back. Michael had a word from the Lord for us and he drove all this way to share it. I can’t begin to tell you how much that meant to us. Michael IS a man after God’s own heart. He was always looking to make a difference in the lives of others by showing them the love of Christ. We are all richer from knowing Michael. We will be keeping you, Sheryl and your family in our prayers.
God Bless,
Mark
Suzie Talbot says
March 27, 2016 at 6:08 pmMichael, family, and friends- So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Don & Alicia Wortham says
March 27, 2016 at 11:07 pmDear Sheryl,
Our hearts and prayers are with you and may you receive the comfort of the Holy Spirit. We pray for God’s peace that surpasses all understanding be in your heart and soul. We’re so very sorry for your loss and ask that you reach out to us if there’s anyway we can help. We love you so much.
Cindy Hebert says
March 28, 2016 at 7:55 amMy sincerest condolences and prayers go out to the Dezura family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Elbert Pierre says
March 29, 2016 at 5:43 amMichael,
Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss – your family and you are in my prayers.
Love,
Pierre and Francy
Yvette & Cary Wisener says
March 29, 2016 at 3:47 pmSheryl, Nicole, Jess, and Michelle. Cary & I are so very sorry for the loss of your husband and step-father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The peace of knowing that Mike is with our “Lord and Savior” will give you strength and courage as we remember Mike and who he was here on earth.
Darlene Muffler says
March 30, 2016 at 4:39 amPrecious Sheryl,
I have been trying to write since I received the news. But, God’s timing said wait.
I now have Isaiah 58:11 resounding in my heart for you, perhaps it holds some special meaning that you privately shared with Mike.
ADONAI will always guide you; He will satisfy your needs in the desert, He will renew the strength of your limbs; so that you will be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails.
How thankful we are to have known and been known by your beloved husband Michael!
Peace to you, my beloved friend and faithful prayer partner.
In His name
Pastor Alvin Blackard says
March 30, 2016 at 3:04 pmSister Sheryl what a powerful word you gave to us on having a heart like God.
I was so moved…The anointing of the Spirit was present in many ways especially when you began to share about the heart of God in Mike.
I was so appreciative of your transparency in sharing life that we all are called to live out in light of eternity, and how we trust the Lord in every aspect of this life.
Thank you both from the depths of my spirit in your love and concern for the ladies of House of Hope, your mentoring means so much to them.
Until you meet Mike again may the love and grace of God be your portion.
Pastor Alvin Blackard
Northside Assembly of God
Spfd., Mo
Becky says
April 4, 2016 at 4:52 pmDear Sheryl,
My purpose in writing this little note is to share my sincere condolences for the loss of your dear husband and your families Pappy. His love of God make me think of the Lord’s Prayer at Matthew 6:9,10, that prayer talks about God kingdom coming. Not only will God’s will take place in heaven but also on the earth. 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 is very comforting and it also bring out how enemy death will be brought to nothing.
I hope that these scriptures and many more will bring comfort to your hearts.
Additional topics to give Scriptural answers can be found http://www.jw.org
Sincerely,
Becky
Stephanie Clark says
April 5, 2016 at 5:41 amI am sorry very sorry that this has happened. Please believe that the thoughts and prayers of our family are with your family.
Paula Nichols says
July 10, 2017 at 5:25 amSheryl. I am so deeply sorry to read about your precious husband. I’ve wondered where y’all went. I e sent emails and texts. They all come back u deliverable.
Please contact me. I miss you my sister. I wonder about you.
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