Michael Lewis McMurtrey

Michael McMurtrey

Michael Lewis McMurtrey (aka Mike Watson) slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Easter Morning at 7:00 a.m. after fighting a hard and courageous battle against heart disease and emphysema for many years.

Born in San Angelo, Texas on August 26, 1947, Mike spent the majority of his life in San Antonio where he attended Sam Houston High School and was a member of Texas Masonic Lodge No. 8. Mike met the love of his life and best friend Nancy to whom he married in 1977. Mike loved music and began at a very young age teaching himself to play drums. He started playing professionally at the age of sixteen: playing drums for Bobby Martin, Slim Roberts and also as one of Johnny Bush’s Bandeleros (1968-1971). He joined the San Antonio Police Dept. in 1972, retiring in 1993 to move to his ranch in Eden, Tx. Mike enjoyed fishing, hunting, especially in Colorado and Wyoming, managing whitetail and axis deer, and especially enjoyed riding his cutting horses.

He was predeceased by his father, Lewis McMurtrey, mother Jean Lapp Watson, step-father Jimmy Watson; step-brother Jimmy Lee Watson. Mike is survived by his wife Nancy McBride McMurtrey, son Blake Dietzmann, daughter-in-law Debbie Dietzmann and his precious grandchildren Bailey & Ashton Dietzmann, who knew him as their Tapaw. Mike is also survived by his brother-in-laws: John McBride (Patty) and Dan McBride (Melba) Jason Kapp, sister-in-laws: Sissie West (Frankie) and Sandra Watson, several nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Mike loved to tell stories and never lost his great sense of Humor! He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father and friend: a man of true honor, talent, and courage.

We would like to extend a very special Thank You to Dr. John Harvey for all the special care he gave Mike during his illness.

Mike, remember to wait for me just beyond the moon! I will always Love You, Nance

GRAVESIDE SERVICES WILL BE HELD
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015
AT 1:00 P.M.
AT MISSION PARK FUNERAL CHAPEL & CEMETERIES DOMINION
20900 IH 10 WEST, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78257

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Animal Defense League @ 11300 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217