Michael McArthur Sackett

Michael “Mike” McArthur Sackett, 78, of Red Oak, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025.

 Michael grew up in Irving, Texas, where he discovered his lifelong love of music as a proud member of the Irving Tigers Marching Band, playing the trumpet with skill and enthusiasm. A graduate of Irving High School, Michael often spoke fondly of his time there, especially of meeting his high school sweetheart, Lila Tyler, during his junior year. Though life took them on separate paths after graduation, fate would one day bring them together again.

After high school, Michael attended East Texas State University, where he earned his associate degree in drafting. During his time there, he met his first wife, Linda Shurtleff. The two married and settled in Grand Prairie, where they raised three children together during 30 years of marriage.

Michael began his career as a draftsman for Dresser Industries, later becoming a manager for the Overhead Door Company, where he worked for 20 years. Later, he discovered a new calling in the insurance field as an insurance inspector for Northstar Reports—a profession he truly enjoyed and excelled in.

In 2012, Michael’s life came full circle when he reconnected with his high school love, Lila. They were married that June and made their home in Red Oak, Texas, where they shared many happy years together.

A man of deep faith, Michael was an active member of Red Oak United Methodist Church. He sang as a baritone in the church choir, his rich, resonant voice filling the sanctuary with warmth and grace. His love of music was only matched by his passion for photography. Over the years, his keen eye and creative spirit led him to contribute work to several local publications, including the Ellis County Press, Waxahachie Daily Light, Red Oak Chronicle, and The Dallas Morning News.

Michael dearly loved his children and grandchildren and took great joy in mentoring young people. He served as both a youth mentor and Boy Scout troop leader, always leading by example with kindness, patience, and humor. He had an infectious smile, a hearty laugh, and a gift for conversation.

He was a man of many joys: classic cars, Mexican food, and especially visits to Joe T. Garcia’s, his favorite restaurant. Above all, Michael was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, a true gentleman whose faith, compassion, and good humor left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents: George and Mildred Sackett, his sister Patricia Ellison, and his first wife, Linda Shurtleff Sackett.  

Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Lila Sackett; his children, Michael M. Sackett Jr. and husband Frank and partner Tao; Scott Sackett and wife Tamela Sackett; and Rachel Sackett McDonald and husband Eric McDonald. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Jonathan Sackett and wife Brooke, and Ash Sackett; and his adored great-grandchildren, Adrien and Audrey; his niece Tori Castleberry and husband Joey Castleberry, great-nieces Andi Early, and Caley Walther and his great-nephew Campbell Castleberry; as well as his cousin Deanna Sackett-Venable and many close friends he considered family.  

Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Green Funeral Home - Red Oak, Texas.

The Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 PM Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Green Funeral Home - Red Oak, Texas.

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