Michael Norman Gallaher

Beloved family man, devoted Rotarian, and United States Navy veteran Mike Gallaher passed away January 8, 2025, at the Cottonwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Durango, Colorado. Mike’s life was devoted to his family, serving his community, and promoting education. Born in Logansport, Indiana on November 27, 1942, Mike lived in Mansfield, Texas for 36 years before moving to Durango in 2020.

Mike truly loved serving the local and global community through Rotary International. He first joined Rotary in Mansfield and continued his involvement as an active member of the High Noon Rotary Club in Durango. He served on the scholarship committee and volunteered on local and international service projects. The friendships he forged through Rotary were deeply valued. Mike regarded being a Rotarian as a high honor.

Mike also served his community in other ways. He was a volunteer leader with the Boy Scouts of America for 30 years. He served two terms on the Mansfield Independent School District School Board, the second of which as the Board president. He served on countless church committees and elder boards. Mike’s life of service started with the United States Navy where he volunteered for four years during the early stages of the Vietnam War.

Mike’s true calling was as an educator. He discovered this after a career in business. He began teaching economics classes at Tarrant County College as a part time adjunct professor. At the invitation of the school’s administration, he moved to a full-time faculty position. He had a significant impact on his students and personally assisted many. He bought countless textbooks for single mothers taking his classes. He even bought a bicycle for a student who had no other transportation. The letters he received from students attest to the fact that Mike did far more than simply teach economics, he helped change lives.

Informally, Mike loved to educate all who would listen about the Lewis & Clark Expedition, the Civil War, and early United States Presidents and other Founding Fathers. His knowledge of the Lewis & Clark Expedition was encyclopedic. He and Sue had traveled the entire length of the route taken, though in more modern transportation. His collection of Lewis & Clark books and memorabilia could start a small museum. He frequently gave talks on Lewis & Clark to school groups, Rotary clubs, and generally anyone who would sit still long enough.

But nothing was more important to Mike than his family. His beloved wife of 58 years, Sue, was his anchor and foundation. Their romance started while Sue was in college and Mike was still in the Navy. After they married, they supported each other while completing their education, both earning master’s degrees, Sue in education and Mike his MBA. This was significant because only one of their four parents had even graduated high school. When their children were born, Mike committed to being present as a father. Mike never let his personal interests or, to the degree possible, his professional life, rob his family of his support and devotion.

His six grandchildren were the great pride of his life. He frequently said if he knew grandkids were this much fun, he would have had them first. He was equally devoted to being present in their lives despite the challenges presented by distance. He attended countless sports events, school programs, dance recitals, graduations, and other life events. Mike made sure the family spent time together by putting together trips to Disney World, the Grand Canyon, the Florida coast, Zion National Park, and other outings. Mike was even blessed with two greatgrandchildren who brought so much joy to him.

Mike is survived by his wife, Sue Gallaher, his son and favorite daughter-in-law, Otto & Christy Gallaher of New Braunfels, Texas; his daughter and favorite son-in-law, Gretchen & Brett Willis of Durango, Colorado; Grandchildren Kenna (Willis) Iverson and her husband Michael of Durango, Colorado; Kayla Willis and her husband Cooper Flamm of Pinedale, Wyoming; Carver Willis of Seattle, Washington; Mallory Gallaher of New Braunfels, Texas; Riley Gallaher of Denver, Colorado; Jacie Gallaher of New Braunfels, Texas; and Great-grandchildren Ellie and Ari Iverson of Durango, Colorado. In addition, Mike is survived by his brother-in-law, Leonard Huffman of Bloomfield, Indiana; Sisters-in-law Sandy Huffman of Bloomfield, Indiana, and Judy Gallaher of Royal Center, Indiana; and 19 nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Mike deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 18th at 10:30am at Hesperus Church in Hesperus, Colorado. Mike’s remains will be interred in the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Green County, Indiana, following a memorial service at the Mineral Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on February 15, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Durango High Noon Rotary Club, P.O. Box 3058, Durango, Colorado 81302.