Michael Drinkwater

On Saturday, August 4th 2018, Mike Drinkwater shook off the yoke of his mortal burdens; and with a gentle caress of his beloved wife Cheryl’s hand, he peacefully drifted home.

Service Information: A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mike Drinkwater will be held Monday, August 13, 2018 from 2pm-4pm at the First Baptist Church in Riesel, Texas.

Michael (Mike) George Drinkwater was born January 19, 1954 in Albion, Michigan to June (Drinkwater) Bigelow. Mike had 3 brothers and a sister: Douglas Singletary, Dale Singletary, James Bigelow, and Mindy Singletary. In 1973, Mike began the courtship of the love of his life – his wife, Cheryl (Fitzpatrick) Drinkwater. Mike and Cheryl were married on June 21, 1975 at the Methodist Church in Springport, Michigan. Mike and Cheryl had two sons: C.J. and William. They later added two beloved daughters-in-law: Rhonda and Randi.
Mike worked a variety of jobs over the years, from manufacturing, to managing stores, to being a meat cutter, however, one overriding passion was working on a farm. While he had no fondness for cows, Mike loved being on a tractor, out in the fields.
Mike was a unique character. You always knew he liked you if he picked on you—which he would incessantly do to those he loved. Mike loved to hunt and fish – and according to CJ, was the best shot he’d ever seen. Mike had a special heart – he always had a smile on his face when he saw you and he welcomed everyone – without exception and without conditions; well, except maybe to ensure there was a full pot of coffee to drink. His heart was so big – he couldn’t help but love as much to match.
Mike’s love of family was without equal. If Cheryl and the boys were his world, his grandchildren: Ryan, Haley, Hunter, and Trinity were his universe. Mike loved his brothers Doug, Dale, and Jim; and loved his sister Mindy. He was a great brother and they loved him back just as much. Mike dearly loved his many nieces and nephews. Mike also had a very special place in his heart for his other brothers and sisters: Charity (Michael) Terry, Cindy (Louis) Gagnon, Craig (Becky) Fitzpatrick, and Clark Fitzpatrick – as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law Jack and Joan Fitzpatrick.
Mike is preceded in death by his mother June (Drinkwater) Bigelow, his brother Douglas Singletary, his sister Mindy Singletary, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Jack and Joan Fitzpatrick.
Mike is survived by his wife Cheryl (Fitzpatrick) Drinkwater; his children: CJ (Rhonda) Drinkwater and William (Randi) Drinkwater; his grandchildren: Ryan Drinkwater, Haley Drinkwater, Hunter Drinkwater, and Trinity Drinkwater; two great-grandchildren; his brothers: Dale (Cindy) Singletary and Jim (Leah) Bigelow; his brother-in-law: Craig (Becky) Fitzpatrick and Clark Fitzpatrick; his sister-in-law: Cindy (Louis) Gagnon, Charity (Michael) Terry, and Joni Singletary; and his numerous nieces and nephews.