In Loving Memory

Marvin Michael "Mike" Cichowski, Jr.

1/10/1953 — 4/4/2017

Clayton-Thompson

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Marvin Michael "Mike" Cichowski, Jr. January 10, 1953 - April 5, 2017

Marvin Michael “Mike” Cichowski Jr., 64, of Port Arthur passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2017.

Mike was born on January 10, 1953 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to parents Betty Pope Cichowski and Marvin Michael Cichowski Sr. Mike was a lifelong resident of Port Arthur; he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1971, where he was Student Body President and an Eagle Scout. Mike attended Texas A&M University for one year before coming to his senses and transferring to the University of Texas, where he met his wife, Pam. After graduating from UT, Mike went on to graduate from University of Texas Law School.

Mike was an attorney in Port Arthur many years. He began the practice of law working for three years at the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office. He then left for private practice. Just as Mike’s practice was helped along by the mentorship of lawyers from a previous generation, Mike was known to offer mentorship and help to many young lawyers, including both his children. He loved being down at the Courthouse trying cases to juries, and was a fierce advocate of the jury system. During his time in practice, Mike served as president, vice president and treasurer of the Jefferson County Bar Association. He also assisted in the development of the Jefferson County Bar Association Pro Bono Program, whose mission is to help people who lack the financial means to hire an attorney obtain legal assistance in civil matters.

Mike’s two greatest passions were hunting and fishing. If you wanted to find him on any given weekend, you only needed to ask where the birds were flying or where the fish were biting. When the wind kept him off the water and hunting season was over, Mike enjoyed working in his garden, reading, and cooking for his family and friends. Mike was a member of Wiergate Hunting Club, where he was known for his opening day fish dinners. Mike’s newest passion was entertaining (and being entertained by) his grandson, Michael, and planning with anticipation the adventures they would have with his granddaughter on-the-way. Mike loved to laugh and tell a good story. His family hopes all his friends and loved ones will tell stories of him and laugh in his memory for many years to come.

Mike is survived by his wife, Pam Cichowski of Port Arthur, TX; son, Sean Michael Cichowski, his wife, Wilhelmina Kenyon Cichowski of Houston, TX; daughter, Kaitlyn Marie Yost, her husband, Wade Yost of Cedar Park, TX; father, Marvin Michael Cichowski Sr. of Groves, TX; and mother, Betty Pope Cichowski of Beaumont, TX. He is also survived by brothers, Steve Cichowski and wife, Cathy of Boerne, TX; sister, Amy Cichowski of Austin; grandson, Michael Edwards Cichowski and granddaughter Kennedy Yost expected in August.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017 from 5 pm until 8 pm at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves, TX. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 10 am at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves, TX, with Dr. Rick Erwin officiating. Cremation will follow the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jefferson County Bar Association Pro-Bono Program 1001 Pearl, Room 202, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or the charity of your choice in the memory of Mike Cichowski.

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Karen Duvall April 21, 2017

Pam, I just found out about Mikes passing...I was so shocked and saddened by the news. I know there are no words that can ease your pain, but my prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I met Mike a few years ago when my family was in need of an attorney. Mike was a great guy, as well as a great attorney. He truly cared about the outcome of our case and I will always be indebted to him for that. RIP Mike...we will never forget.

Paul Beck, Crystal Madill April 9, 2017

Steve,and family.We are truly heart-broken for you.Will always fondly remember the fishing trip.Our condolences-Paul and Crystal Nova Scotia

Steve Thrower April 7, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mike. He prosecuted some of the earliest cases I was involved in as a young deputy sheriff. Later in our careers when he was in private practice and I was working at the district attorneys office we became better friends through fishing. We fished offshore at the jetties and even bass fished together. He was one of best lawyers to work with in the defense bar and was always a good advocate for his clients. Mike is going to be missed.

Janis Tanner April 7, 2017

Hearing about your loss has deeply saddened me. but I know that this is far from what you are going through right now. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family.

Suzanne Skinner Haycraft April 7, 2017

Mike was one of my father's favorite Boy Scouts in Methodist Temple's Troop 61. He was always my friend and a stand-up, honorable man. May he Rest in Peace.

Tammie Weatherford April 7, 2017

I was beyond stunned to hear about Mikes passing and Im totally heartbroken for Pam and the family. We worked in the same law office for many years and had quite a few laughs. He would always come in whistling and singingand then he would come in with the pun about my gray hairThe old gray mare aint what she used to be There was even the year he bought me a bottle of Grecian Formula 44 as a Christmas presentalways the practical joker. He will be missed. RIP Mike.

Kristy Cole Jorgensen April 7, 2017

My family ( Ned Cole family ) and the Cichowski's attended the original Proctor Street Baptist church, in the 60's and 70's, when it was on Proctor Street, downtown Port Arthur and became friends. Mike, his brother Steve, and my brother Steve Cole were hunting and fishing buddies before my brother moved to Austin to attend U.T, in 1972. I remember Mike, his brother Steve, their younger sister Amy, and their Mom. My parents are long time friends with Mike's mother. Also, Mike's mom, Ms. Cichowski was my 5th grade teacher at Travis elementary. He will be missed, I'm sure my brother has a lot of fishing and hunting stories from their teens :) Condolences from our family, Ned, Jean, Steve, Joanna Cole Mayle, Lisa Cole, Janet Cole Baker Turner Guidry, and Kristy Cole Meaux Jorgensen.

Perry Mcpherson, April 7, 2017

Dear Cichowski family, Our community has lost a champion spouse, parent, lawyer, and outdoorsman. What a guy!! SIncerely, Perry R. McPherson, fellow attorney

Melanie Levise April 7, 2017

May he who knows you, bring comfort and peace to you. Our deepest sympathy, M/M Dexter C. Levise, Sr.

Debbie Bernard Smith April 7, 2017

Our condolences to The Cichowski family. Prayers sent for peace and comfort .

Connie Abshire April 7, 2017

My heartfelt sympathy for Pam and the family. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. He was always in good spirits when I worked with him at the law office.

Bob Bellow April 6, 2017

So sorry for the loss of a life long friend. Mike will truly be missed. It was my honor to know him for 45 + years.

Ashley Ross - Cole April 6, 2017

I worked in his law office for a short period of time. Mr Cichowski and Mrs Pam were the nicest folks. I'm sorry to read the news on my Facebook feed today. My thoughts & Prayers go out to Mrs. Pam & family durning this time.

Amy Richard April 6, 2017

Mike and Pam were among the first to welcome me when I moved to Port Arthur in 1980. Mike was the perfect gentleman and his laughter was infectious. I'll never forget the afternoon he called looking for my husband Joe and then proceeded to quiz me about our most recent (and successful) fishing trip. Being new to the fishing tribe, I was very proud to tell him every detail I could think of, not knowing that I was giving away my husbands favorite fishing spot. I can hear Mike chuckling now. I feel very lucky to have known such a sweet man and his lovely wife Pam and am sending peace, light and lots of love to her and the family during this very sad time.

Beryl Miller April 6, 2017

Pam and family, I am shocked and saddened by Mike's death. I would consider him a friend from way back. I must say he used to intimidate me easily in English as a junior, however, I over came it....I do laugh when I think of him. Mike always had lots to say and also had quite an opinion. Seriously, my heart aches for you, Pam, and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Praying for peace.

Joe Richard April 6, 2017

I've known Marvin since Speech class at Woodrow Wilson in the 9th grade, in 1967. Had some adventures with him, we often camped on Pleasure Island with the only car and had the run of the place for years, before the bridge was built. Shot rabbits, hunted ducks, caught a lot of fish. Glad Amy and I stopped to have lunch with Mike and Pam last summer, as we were passing through town from Florida. Last autumn Mike was the last duck hunter from our high school group, still toughing it out in the marsh. My last fishing trip with him two summers ago, was a classic; he drove his boat 50 miles offshore and we had the finest day out there. He will be sorely missed. I wish he'd retired a little sooner, like five years.

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Provided by

Clayton Thompson Funeral Directors