Michael Bedair, 74, of Orangefield, Texas, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023, at his home. He was more affectionately known as Mike, Daddy or Pops.
Mike was born November 19, 1948, in Port Arthur, Texas, to James Edward Bedair Sr. and Hazel DeHart Bedair. He was the youngest of six children. He graduated from Port Neches-Groves High School as a member of the class of 1967 and went on to graduate from John Connally Technical Institute of Texas A&M University in Waco, Texas. On July 2, 1971, Mike married his true love, Brenda Catherine Bowling in Groves, Texas.
Mike led a varied career path. As a teenager Mike worked in automotive body shops. After graduating from Connally Tech he worked as a dental technician, creating false teeth. Later he put his mechanical mind to work as an excellent automobile mechanic. All of these vocations landed him as a vocational occupational teacher at Nederland High School. Then in 1974 Mike began a new career as an insurance agent, which he would continue until his passing.
In 2014, Michael and Brenda moved into their dream home in Orangefield. Mike was very involved in the construction of the home. He hand built many of the customized portions of the home. Mike was creative and enjoyed working with his hands, gardening, traveling, and spending time with the most precious people in his life, his family.
Mike is survived by his wife, Brenda. Other survivors are his daughter, Daphryne Manning and husband Tommy of Denison; son, Nathaniel Bedair and wife Lauren of Groves; three grandchildren, Emily Morgan Bedair, Ava Rose Bedair, and Cooper Bedair; two bonus grandchildren, Lauren Manning Johnson and husband Chad of Denison, and Logan Scott Manning and wife Kathleen of McKinney; two great-grandchildren, Wynter Gabrielle Johnson and Bronx Edward Johnson; one brother, James Edward Bedair, Jr. of Irving; two sisters, Nelda Bedair Heath of San Antonio; Carolyn Bedair Thomas and husband Bill of Irving; many much-loved nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; sisters Norma Lee Bedair and Loretta Bedair Parker.
Mike was loved and respected by everyone who knew him and will be missed by all.