Michael "Mike" Anthony Tackett, 61, beloved husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle, friend, and servant of God, passed away Saturday May 4, 2024.

Mike was the third born son born to Glen Benjamin and Elsie Faye (Hunt) in Charleston, West Virginia on October 11, 1962. He was the first of his family to graduate high school in 1980. After graduation Mike went to boot camp for the Marine Corps at, where Mike claimed was the "only true boot camp", Parris Island. After completing bootcamp Mike served the Marines on bases in Okinawa, Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms, and Kaneohe.

Mike met his wife Kristy in the fall of 1983 at Skateway in Mission Viejo, California and married the following February in San Juan Capistrano, California. They began their life together in Kaneohe, Hawaii, but shortly after moved to Mission Viejo to raise their family. It was there that Mike worked as a plumber and volunteered in his community. Friday evenings he could be seen on the football field at Mission Viejo High School doing chains. Then on Sundays you could find him in the church nursery at Saddleback Church pushing babies in a stroller.

In his free time Mike enjoyed playing softball, watching sports, and spending time with his grandchildren. His greatest passion was fishing in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. His favorite spot was June Lake, California.

Mike was known as a big guy with a big personality, and a jokester.  Ultimately though he was known for his big heart. Mike was always there when you needed him. It was not unlike Mike to hide money in a baby bottle for an adoption fundraiser among washers and bolts. He would always encourage new parents to continue to bring their babies to the nursery, even if they cried at every drop off. His booming laugh and big bear hugs will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mike is survived by his wife of 40 years Kristy, daughter, Natalie (David), son Ryan (Julie), son Matthew (Dena), grandson, Daniel, granddaughter Sarah Faye, grandson, Carter, two more grandchildren that will arrive later this year, brothers Randall and Andy, 7 nieces, 5 nephews, 9 great nephews, 9 great nieces, and one great grandniece.

He was joyfully welcomed into Heaven by his mom, Faye, his dad, Glen, brother, Richard, nephew, Jason, father-in-law, Rome Hinkston , mother-in-law, Jeri (Moore), and sister-in-law, Janet Hinkston.

Mike served his Lord and Savior well and we know that, "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'" Matthew 25:23 NKJV

The family will receive visitors at O'Connor Mortuary on Tuesday May 28 from 10am-12pm.

A private burial will follow.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 Saddleback Parkway at Saddleback Church in Tent 2 on May 29 at 11am.

The family would love you to consider wearing red, white, blue, or camouflage for the Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you donate to a Veteran's Charity, your local Children's Ministry, or other charity if your choice.