Obituary of Michael Richard Earthman

MICHAEL RICHARD EARTHMAN died on March 17, 2024, in Houston, Texas. He was 79 years of age.

Michael was born March 19, 1944, in Houston, the sixth of nine siblings. He was a graduate of St. Anne Catholic School and St. Thomas High School in Houston. He received a bachelor's degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Houston.

Michael spent his working years in the life insurance business. He started the Mission Life Insurance Co. with his brother Donald and father.  After retirement, he devoted his time and energy to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a charity that promotes the interests of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land by supporting schools and local churches. He also traveled extensively, especially to Europe and Colorado.
In 1971, Michael married Betsy Wright of Lubbock, and together they raised three children. He was widowed in 2008.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Betsy W. Earthman, his parents, Blanche and J.B. Earthman, Jr., and one brother, Bill Earthman. 

He is survived by his children, Rev. Michael G. Earthman, Richard W. Earthman (wife Marie), and Emily E. Ziemba (husband Paul), and five grandchildren, in addition to his longtime companion, Kay McKeough, all of Houston. His survivors also include his brothers Jim Earthman (wife Cindy), Tom Earthman (wife Brigid), Jack Earthman, Bob Earthman, Donald Earthman (wife Jerrie), and Bruce Earthman (wife Pam), as well as his sister Blanche Morello (husband Charlie). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil for the Deceased at 6:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at St. Anne Catholic Community, 2140 Westheimer Road in Houston, Texas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, March 22, 2024, also at St. Anne's. The Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park Lawndale cemetery in Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in order to support the spiritual, humanitarian, and educational needs of people in the Holy Land. Checks may be made out to: EOHSJ Southwestern USA, 2001 Kirby Dr., Suite 902, Houston, TX 77019.