Michael Aaron McLearen, 19, of De Leon, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2014. He was born December 28, 1994, in De Leon, to Kevin McLearen and Bessie Lorraine Abels.

Michael graduated from De Leon High School in 2013 and was currently attending Tarleton State University where he was majoring in technical engineering. While attending De Leon High School, Michael was very active with Bearcat athletics playing basketball, football and baseball. He enjoyed being a member of the De Leon FFA.

Michael served on the De Leon First National Bank Junior Board and he received the 2013 De Leon Ex Student Scholarship Award as well as the 2013 De Leon Chamber of Commerce Student of the Year Award.

Michael attended First Baptist Church of De Leon. He was larger than life and had such a bright and loving personality. He loved to hunt, fish, and participate in tractor pulls. He was always his happiest when he could be outdoors. He loved his family and friends unconditionally and will be missed by so many.


He is survived by his loving parents, Kevin McLearen and wife, Kay, and Lori Henson and husband, Tim; brother, Gary McLearen; sister, Dara Ruhnke; grandparents, Ray and Linda McLearen and L.G. Abels; aunts, Kay Gray and Joyce Moncrief; uncles, Donnie Gray, Lonnie Abels and Russell Abels; cousins, Kara, Justin, Haley, Dustin, Lonnie, Jr., Dakota, Easton, Amanda and Michaela; girlfriend, Whitley Bettis; and other extended family and friends. Michael was preceded by his grandmother, Barbara Abels; and cousin, Mason Abels.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church. Graveside services followed in Desdemona Cemetery. Brother Daniel Harper officiated the services.

Serving as pallbearers were Caleb Nowlin, Jeremy Holder, Chito Rodriquez, Jaron Majors, Jeremiah Peek and Kyle Dowdy. Serving as honorary pallbearer was Zac Ryon.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the scholarship fund established in Michael's honor at First National Bank of De Leon.