James Michael (Mike) Lingle

James Michael (Mike) Lingle Jan. 10, 1960 - Jan. 24, 2012 James Michael (Mike) Lingle died Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at his home in Morgan Mill. Mike was born January 10, 1960 to James Doyle Lingle and Margaret Stephens Lingle in Stephenville, Texas. He graduated from Dublin High School in 1978 and married Nancy Kimbrough September 19, 1987. In his junior high and high school days, Mike hoed peanuts for and learned life lessons from the late J.L. Kiker of the Greens Creek Community. After graduation, Mike worked in the oilfield before returning to Stephenville and working first as a plumbers' helper for Cross Timbers Plumbing, then joining George and Gennyce Hubbard at Stephenville Supply Co, going from worker to manager/owner at the time of his death. Mike also bred, trained and raced registered quarter horses and rode bulls before turning to pleasure horses after the birth of his first son, Dustin. In 1997, a G level soccer coaching clinic would spark a new passion that would span the next 16 years. Mike advanced from that humble beginning to become a Grade D National level coach, Grade 8 referee, mentor to new referees, and TASO UIL certified high school referee. Mike served for several years on the Stephenville Soccer Assoc. Board as a commissioner or referee assignor. Mike coached at all age groups, from U6 to the competitive Classic League U16 boys and was a founding member of the local competitive club, Quest F.C. He also enjoyed playing with a men's team until health problems kept him from the field. Mike's service to the Morgan Mill community began with his leadership of the Royal Ambassadors (RAs) at the Morgan Mill Baptist Church in 1998. Numerous boys came to know and love Jesus as their Savior through his teaching and sponsorship each summer to the Heart of Texas Baptist Encampment in Brownwood, TX. Building the RA racers, having lock-ins at church, singing and reading God's word with the boys brought Mike unending joy. Although continued health issues kept him from attending and participating in his favorite activites, Mike's heart was always with his family, co-workers, loved ones and community. Mike was preceded in death by grandparents, Edwin and Mada Lingle, father James D. Lingle, and mother, Margaret Lingle Patton Mike is survived by his wife, Nancy and sons, Dustin and Isaac of Morgan Mill; step-father, John Patton of Commerce, sisters Charlotte Robertson and husband, Blaine of Dublin; Michelle Mills and husband, Ricky of Stephenville; Cathy Harmon of Oklahoma; Laura Patton of Commerce and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws and outlaws and fellow partners in crime. A memorial celebration of Mike's life will be held Saturday, February 4th at 1 p.m. at the Stephenville Soccer Complex (casual dress; shin guards & cleats are optional). In case of inclement weather, the festivities will be moved to the Morgan Mill School in Morgan Mill. A fund for his family has been established at Town and Country Bank, Stephenville, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the RA Camp Fund, Morgan Mill Baptist Church, Morgan Mill, Texas.