Michael Terry Drowns from Kansas City, Missouri passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 85.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Linda Drowns. He is survived by his 3 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, including Holly (Drowns) Ridge (husband Jerry; children Jerry III, Hayden, and Hailey), Michelle (Drowns) Allmon (husband Adam; sons Zane and Lyndon), and John Drowns (wife Amy; son Sage).

Michael grew up in Kansas City’s Briarcliff neighborhood and attended North Kansas City High School. He enjoyed spending time with classmates at the Hornets’ Nest and participating in high school theater performances. His involvement in the Spanish Club allowed him to travel to Mexico, and Mike continued to have a lifelong love of travel.

After high school, he attended the University of Missouri where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Horticulture was Mike’s favorite subject, and he especially enjoyed learning how to graft fruit trees. Mike continued to enjoy gardening later in life, and his grandchildren enjoyed helping him pick blackberries and plant tomatoes.

After Michael left his studies at MU, he traveled to Hawaii to work. He spent a few months in Hawaii before he and a friend flipped a coin to decide their next destination—Australia or Europe. Europe won, and he spent 3 months exploring Hamburg, Germany, Copenhagen, Denmark, Sweden, and Oslo, Norway. When he and his friend parted ways, Michael continued solo on a motorbike through Germany to Lucerne, Switzerland, pushing the small bike much of the way up St. Bernard Pass before enjoying the downhill ride into Italy. Barcelona was Mike’s favorite city, but his travels continued into Morocco, Madrid, and Portugal.

He later returned to his favorite places with his family, giving his children the gift of travel. His family often joked saying, “Let me get my shoes!” whenever Mike brought up taking a trip.

Michael was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and he served as a Specialist Third Class helicopter mechanic.

Michael loved airplanes and took flying lessons, but after a frightening solo flight incident involving receiving a warning that he was in a no-fly zone, he never flew a plane himself again. However, he proudly encouraged all three of his children to take flying lessons.

In 1966, during a visit to Kansas City, he met Linda Church, a student teacher from Lone Jack, Missouri. Linda's supervising teacher was Michael’s mother, Virginia. Michael and Linda married on August 26, 1967, at the Lone Jack Christian Church.

Together, they were active members of Platte Woods United Methodist Church, and the church remained a meaningful part of his life.

Michael’s career in sales and real estate gave him opportunities to socialize and meet many people.

He sought adventure, appreciated nature and wildlife, and had a big heart for his dachshunds who served as loyal companions for many years.

The family would like to express gratitude for care and support they've received from family and friends, Brookdale Skilled Nursing/Assisted Living, and Ascend Hospice.

A private family gathering will be held to honor Mike’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Michael's love for animals by donating to a local animal shelter, fostering or adopting, or making a contribution to: 

https://therescueproject.net

https://checkout.shelterluv.com/donate/TRP