Mike Scott

George Michael “Mike” Scott, 73 of Vernon, Texas, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Vernon, Texas. Memorial services will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:00 am at Lakeview Church in Vernon, Texas, under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home with Dr. Dusty Johnston officiating.

George Michael “Mike” Scott — a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, artist, roper, storyteller, and friend whose influence stretched from New Mexico to Texas and far beyond. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on December 13,1952, to Evelyn Shirley Scott and George B. Scott, Mike grew up in Las Cruces, where he developed the values and interests that shaped his life. He shared a special lifelong bond with his sisters, Sharon Scott and JoAnne Jackson, who loved him deeply.

Mike earned degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Extension and Education from New Mexico State University before beginning a 27year career at Fort Sumner Municipal Schools. As an agriculture, shop, and science teacher, he taught far more than coursework — he taught responsibility, humor, hard work, and life. Generations of students are better because they learned from him.

Beyond the classroom, Mike spent more than forty years as a beloved cartoonist for the DeBaca County News and the Clovis Livestock Journal. Ranchers and farmers from the area never knew when “their adventure” would become the weekly cartoon. Classroom antics, day-working experiences, team roping stories along with stories from Cortese Feed and Supply were always fair game for cartoons. His weekly cartoons captured the spirit of rural life, turning everyday moments into stories that brought laughter to countless people. He was also an accomplished team roper who cherished the sport and the friendships it created, especially mentoring young up and coming ropers.

Of all his roles, Mike was proudest of being a family man. For 51 years, he shared a devoted marriage with his wife, Patti. Together they raised Criquett and Colt, welcomed Blane and SuzAnne into the family, and celebrated the joy of being “Papa” to Presley, Ryder, Sydney, Jett, Selah, and Skye. His grandchildren knew his humor, his encouragement, and his love — gifts they will carry forever.

Mike leaves behind a legacy measured not just in accomplishments, but in the people he shaped, the laughter he inspired, and the deep love he gave his family and friends.