Michael's soul soared free of this mortal realm on November 17, 2022. He passed away after complications from lung surgery for "HHT," a genetic disorder. Michael grew up in Weatherford, Texas, and attended TCU where he met the love of his life, Carolyn Mitchell, in 1983. They married in 1990 and were rarely apart throughout their life together.

Michael earned his associate's degree from Weatherford Junior College in 1982. He moved to Fort Worth to attend TCU and graduated with his Bachelor's in Music Education in 1985. After deciding that his passion for music did not include being a band director, he went to Baylor Law School and graduated in 1988. Michael practiced law in Weatherford, Texas, and he enjoyed helping people through their legal issues. But after ten years of supporting clients through divorce, he stated he was "tired of splitting up couple's Tupperware". He then decided to apply his creative and analytical talents to a career in computer software engineering.

Michael went back to TCU and got his master's degree in Computer Software Engineering in 1998. He taught computer science at TCU for several semesters and worked for five years at a software development business. For the last 19 years, Michael was proud to work at Birdville ISD. He helped them navigate a byzantine landscape of computer software which was vital to secure funding for the school district.

Michael was a musician, music fan, dog lover, and dog Dad to 15 rescued Siberian Huskies. Dogs have the ability to peer deeply into one's soul, and they all adored Michael. He cherished his time with his childhood dog, Rip, and five beloved ferrets as well. He took after his late Dad, Benny Barrett, because he never met a stranger, at home or at a bowl game or across the sea. He was an avid TCU supporter and fan, although some might say he was a long-suffering Horned Frog fan. He was also a huge fan of his four nieces, Ella, Daphne, and Eme Barrett, and Sylvia Huq-Mitchell.

Michael was delighted to attend any live music performance. He enjoyed Grateful Dead concerts as much as classical music, and he was always up for catching a show from a local band. He loved all forms of music. His musical palate spanned the dial from jam bands to very nearly every branch of the musical tree. More than any other form of communication, music resonated within him and rocked his soul with the universal language of love.

As his final act of love on this earth, Michael was an organ donor.

Michael is survived by his wife and soulmate, Carolyn Mitchell, his mother, Mary Helen Barrett of Weatherford, Texas, brother Bryan Barrett and sister-in-law Janice Barrett of Fort Worth, Texas, his four delightful, talented, gracious, and loving nieces mentioned above, many loving extended family members, and his family of friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on January 21, 2023, at St. Matthew United Methodist Church at 2414 Hitson Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76112. Afterwards, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life reception at the TCU Hyatt, 3029 Sandage, Fort Worth, TX 76109. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of the following charities in his honor: HHT.org, Texas Husky Rescue, SPCA, and Southwest Transplant Alliance.