Michael Robert Church
Michael Robert Church, 44, Wichita Heights High School Athletic Director, died Friday, February 23, 2024. Memorial Service will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Pathway Church Westlink Campus followed by a celebration at Chicken N Pickle from 2:00pm-5:00pm. Survived by his wife, Laura Church; son, Kendric Church; father, Michael (Jackie) Church; mother, Ruth (Tim) Towne; sisters, Jami (Steven) Bohling, Tasha Cooley, Jennifer Phister; brother, Matthew Lekawa; father-in-law, Rick (Jeanie) Brotherton; mother-in-law, Diane (Brit) Alley; sister-in-law, Neely (Kevin) Bordegon; numerous other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, a go fund me page has been established at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kendric-church-wellbeing-fund Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel
Michael grew up in Wichita, KS and graduated from Wichita South High School in 1997. Throughout his childhood he developed a passion for sports, especially baseball and wrestling. He trained hard and excelled on the wrestling mat, earning a scholarship to Labette County Community College and eventually Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, TN. Michael majored in education and began his career in familiar territory at Wichita South High School in August of 2003. He quickly became a favorite among his colleagues and students alike by making learning fun and relatable. His fiery personality and passion for excellence challenged others to become the best version of themselves. He lived boldly and with conviction and often even pushed the status quo in hopes of making the world a better place. After 12 years of teaching high school math, Michael pursued a master’s degree in educational leadership at Wichita State University. His role expanded to Athletic Director (Wichita North High School and Wichita Heights High School) where he combined his love for sports and dedication to impact others. After spending 20 years in Wichita Public Schools, it was evident that servant leadership was a top priority in his life.
Michael was a family man who enjoyed watching sports, hunting, fishing, being involved in community with Pathway Church, coaching little league baseball and wrestling, and giving back in any way possible. Humor was undeniably one of Michael’s greatest traits. His extraordinary smile and hilarious wittiness attracted people and encouraged everyone to enjoy life and live each day as if it was the last opportunity to make an impact.
Michael courageously fought Glioblastoma Multiforme brain cancer for 2 years. This aggressive disease attempted to steal joy and opportunity, but Michael didn’t let it win. He battled through two surgeries, radiation, and many rounds of chemo and other medications while never complaining. A true warrior spirit that always looked to help others. He adopted the motto “win the day” and exemplified it perfectly. He modeled faith, hope, and love in a remarkable way.
The list of achievements and accolades is very long; state champion wrestler, Kansas wrestling coach of the year, KIAAA athletic director of the year to highlight a few. But none compared to becoming a loving husband in June of 2010 to his beloved bride Laura Brotherton and a father to Kendric Edward Church in July of 2013. His absence leaves a tremendous hole in so many lives. He was truly one of a kind and will continue to inspire with the legacy of love he leaves behind.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Michael probably wouldn’t remember me, but I remember him. I was the certification specialist for USD259, and him having an out of state degree, he had to come to my office to get his Kansas State teacher license. He was so fun, outgoing and I really enjoyed working with him. I retired in 2007, so he went on and went into the life of retirement. There were a few new teachers that I remember, and he was one of them. So sorry to hear of his struggles, but I think heaven needs someone like him.
God bless the family and my prayers are with you.
Faye Olson
I worked with Church at North. He and Padgett were a great team! I was assistant cheer coach, and he helped me break away from the fears I had, and displayed how to pour yourself into your team. He was just a great person. When he decided to leave North, I jokingly (and seriously) called him Traitor. His energy was everything. He WILL be missed!
I met Mike at North where I became the building engineer. Watching Church work a crowd for a pep assembly is a sight to see. If you needed a hype man Mike Church is your guy. Mike left and went to Heights and the pep assembly’s at North we’re not the same. Something about Church in that Tradition Gym.
One year later I came to Heights and was able to work with this man again.
Mike is sometimes bigger than life. But the change I saw in him after the cancer attack.
Wow he was a softer man. More willing to share his faith and we connected over prayer for each other.
Then I worked with the team to get a Christian concert on Heights football field .
That was so cool.
Then round two came and Mike was unable to come to work. I prayed for Mike and his family everytime I walked by his office. That is about 20 times a day. The best way I knew to support Mike and Laura and K man was to storm the throne room of my God and hold up the Church family before my Lord.
Fly high Mike we will take it from here and share your fight and faith with everyone who needs a boost of Faith.
I want to convey our condolences to Laura, Kendric, the family and the extraordinary amount of others Michael has influenced with his presence. I did not know Michael personally but have learned the gift of God he represents to so many myself included. I pray for God to help me know and show his love, happiness and strength the way Michael shared with those he met during his time here. Sincerely Douglas McCoy Ruth Ann Arion.