Michael Edward Wootton

Michael Edward Wootton, 77, of Wharton, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 2, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family and friends.

Born on February 27, 1948, in San Antonio, Texas, Mike was the son of the late Taylor and Grace Walker Wootton. He was raised in Bandera and graduated from Bandera High School. He pursued higher education at Texas A&I University in Kingsville and later earned his bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University.

Mike dedicated his professional life to the banking industry, where he specialized in agricultural and farm lending. Over the years, he built enduring friendships and found lifelong companions through his passion for the outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman from an early age, Mike's love for nature shaped his life. Childhood memories included early-morning hunts before school and hiding his rifle behind a tree until his return. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with best friends Bill Sherrill, Karl Simons, and Buddy Darby. In recent years, he truly enjoyed time spent with his brother Pat and fellow hunters at the Tovar Ranch and Las Presas Ranch leases.

A proud and active member of the Wharton community, Mike served on several civic boards and committees, including the Wharton Chamber of Commerce Board, the Industrial Foundation, the City Planning Commission, Wharton Economic Development Committee and East Wharton County Ducks Unlimited. His commitment to community development reflected his deep love for Wharton and its people.

Mike married Carol on January 16, 1993, in Wharton, surprising his fellow hunters by getting married during deer season! Together, they shared 32 joyful years of marriage.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Kay Balcer; his brother, Pat Wootton; his parents-in-law, Joe and Dorothy Ziober; and brothers-in-law, Ken Ziober and Jack Balcer.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Wootton; his step-son, Donnie Wessels and wife Mandy of Magnolia; step-daughter, Christy Matus and husband Steven of Katy; and his cherished grandchildren, Ryan Matus and Lexi Wessels. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Peggy Jones and husband James of Houston; sister-in-law Connie Ziober of Tomball; brother-in-law Greg Ziober and wife Carolyn of Stockdale; sister-in-law Diane Wootton of Helotes; nephews Wes Jones, wife Claire and daughter Hazel of Austin, and Blake Ziober of Houston; nieces Sydney Ziober and fiancée Ryan of Houston, Jana Cottrell and husband Chris of Rockwall, and Jenni Garoni Hilliard of New Braunfels.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1717 Pioneer Avenue, Wharton, Texas.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Houston Hospice of El Campo for their exceptional care, with special thanks to Terri Payne, RN, Birdy Moore, Shelby Krpec, and Mike’s devoted caregiver, Doris Gray. We would also like to thank family and friends for their unwavering support and love to Mike and Carol during his journey through visits, calls, texts, meals, desserts and most of all prayers. Mike fondly said he felt that he was enjoying a “living memorial” because of the multitude of friends who visited him during the last three weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

• The 100 Club of Wharton County, P.O. Box 46, El Campo, TX 77437 or 100clubwc.com
• The Kole T. Kendall Anchored Navigation Project (supporting veterans' transition to civilian life) at: anchorednavigation@gmail.com

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared online at whartonfuneralhome.com.