Michael "Mike" Ray Ervin

January 24, 1971 – July 31, 2026

Michael Ray Ervin, known to nearly everyone as "Mike," passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 31, 2026 at the age of 55.

To describe Mike in a few words would be impossible. He was a man of strength and conviction, a protector, a storyteller, an adventurer, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend. He lived with a fierce sense of loyalty, a deep commitment to integrity, and an unwavering belief that people should stand up for what is right.

Mike was born in Kansas City on January 24, 1971 to Virginia Arnette Niemisto and Gerald Lee Ervin Sr. He was raised in Marshall and in Riverside, Missouri.

He was proud of his Scottish heritage and often spoke about the honor and resilience of his ancestors. To Mike, heritage was not simply about where you came from—it was about the values you carried forward. Honor, loyalty, courage, and protecting those who needed you were principles he lived by.

From a young age, Mike had a competitive spirit and a drive to challenge himself. He played offensive line for Oak Park High School where he graduated in 1989 and continued his football career at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri. He later played semi-professional football as an offensive linebacker for the Kansas Plainsmen.

Mike was the kind of player no one wanted to line up across from. His size, strength, and determination made him a formidable opponent. He played with intensity and discipline, earning a reputation as someone who could overpower even the strongest competition. Football was not just a sport to Mike—it reflected who he was: relentless, hardworking, and unwilling to give up. He stopped playing only when it stopped being fun.

Mike attended Missouri Valley College before transferring to Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. During college, he served in an undercover capacity with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He had a strong desire to serve and protect others and planned to continue that path through federal law enforcement.

Mike pursued a career with the FBI and took the entrance testing process three times. He successfully passed the testing process, but ultimately chose not to continue after learning that different testing standards had been used for different applicants. For Mike, the issue was not about opportunity—it was about principle. He believed that those responsible for protecting others should be held to the same standards.

As Mike often said, "I need the guy who watches my back to be on the same level as I am."

That statement reflected who Mike was in every area of his life. He believed in preparation, accountability, and doing things the right way—even when nobody was watching. Integrity was not something he talked about; it was something he practiced.

Mike was an Equipment Rental Specialist with CK Power in Lenexa, Kansas. He took great pride in his work ethic. He believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well. The words, “Not my job” were never a consideration. If someone called him, he wouldn’t stop until he confirmed they got what they called for. He often helped others with projects when they could not afford professional work, giving his time and skills because helping people mattered more to him than recognition.

He also had a reputation for noticing details others overlooked. Mike believed words mattered and took pride in communicating clearly. He had little patience for careless grammar, spelling, or punctuation—even in text messages. To him, doing things correctly was a reflection of respect.

Mike was someone who stood up for the underdog. He was not afraid of confrontation when he believed something was wrong, and he never worried about whether speaking up would make things easier for himself. He earned a reputation as someone who was not to be tested because he would not back down from what he believed was right.

But those who knew Mike best knew there was much more to him than his strength.

Behind the intimidating presence was a man with a deep sensitivity to people. Mike noticed things others missed. He paid attention to intentions, emotions, and struggles. He could often sense when someone was hurting or when something was not right.

Mike had a gift for making people laugh. Complete strangers would find themselves talking with him for hours, entertained by his stories and his unique sense of humor. Many people told him he should start a podcast because they could listen to him talk forever.

The funny thing was, Mike hated attention.

He did not want the spotlight.

He wanted people laughing.

He wanted people connecting.

He wanted people to enjoy the moment.

Adventure was an important part of who Mike was. He was a member of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) and participated in expeditions exploring one of his favorite mysteries and being the unwitting entertainment with his conversations. He loved the outdoors, storytelling, and the possibility that there was still something unknown waiting to be discovered. He had planned another Bigfoot expedition this Fall and looked forward to continuing those adventures.

Mike also loved drums. As a child he saved money and brought 3 sets only to have his father throw them out. As an adult, he replaced those 3 sets and merged them into one. Taking great care and joy in re-skinning them. He bought his sons their own sets and planned to gift his grandson a set as well. He said he loved restoring them and working on them more than playing them. It was in the doing something and doing it well and seeing the results of his care become something lasting that meant the most.

Mike was a devoted husband to Lisa Ann Masters. Together, they faced challenges that tested them in ways few people experience, including COVID, a coma, a house fire, bankruptcy, job losses, a near miscarriage of their youngest son, continued health concerns three hip replacements, two rotator cuff surgeries, biceps surgery, and personal hardships. Through all of it, Mike never stopped trying to become the man he believed his family deserved.

He made Lisa laugh in a way few people could. He made her feel beautiful even on the days she struggled to see it herself. He knew her strengths and her struggles, accepted the things that made her different, and loved her completely.

Mike was not perfect, and he never claimed to be. He had a temper, but he also had the humility to come back afterward and truly apologize—not just say the words, but explain what he had done wrong and why. He was always trying to grow, improve, and become better.

Nothing brought Mike more pride than being a father.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Ann Masters; their sons, Petrus Arconus Dean (6) and Freyys Steele Alucien (5); his daughters, Josie Ervin Hazel (22), wife of Zander Hazel, and McKinlee Rae; his grandson, August Elizac Hazel (3); and his unborn grandson, Thomas Ezra “Tommy” Hazel (-1 day).

Mike loved his daughters deeply. His goal was to help them become strong, independent, and intelligent women. He was proud of who they became and never stopped wanting the very best for them.

With his sons, Mike found endless joy. He chased them through the house pretending to be a monster, bought eight pounds of Monster Trucks because he could not wait to see their excitement, took them into nature to teach them how to track Sasquatch, and made silly noises at night just to hear Petrus copy him.

He knew when to be firm.

He knew when to be gentle.

He knew when his children needed guidance and when they simply needed love.

Mike's greatest concern was always the future of his children. He wanted them prepared for life, but he also wanted them to enjoy it. He wanted them to be strong without losing their kindness.

Scotland held a special place in Mike's heart. He dreamed of visiting the land of his ancestors, walking where they walked, and experiencing the history he felt connected to. He and Lisa talked about someday staying in a log cabin and sharing that adventure together.

Though life delayed many of those dreams, they never disappeared.

Mike will be remembered as a man of strength and softness, conviction and humor, protection and compassion. He was the person who would stand between someone and danger, then come home and play monster with his children.

He was the man who could intimidate a room, but whose smile could make someone feel like the most important person there.

He was not perfect.

He was real.

He was always trying.

And he was deeply loved.

Preceded in death by:Virginia Arnette Ervin, motherGerald Lee Ervin, Sr., father

Survived by:He is survived by his wife, Lisa Ann Masters; their sons, Petrus Arconus Dean (6) and Freyys Steele Alucien (5); his daughters, Josie Ervin Hazel (wife of Zander Hazel) and McKinlee Ray; his grandson, August Elizac Hazel (3); his unborn grandson, Thomas Ezra “Tommy” Hazel; his brother, Ken Suvanto of Maryville, MO; and his sisters, Terrie Kiso of Marshall, MO and Judy Meugniot of Bucyrus, KS (husband, Terry Meugniot).

Memorial Service:Thursday, August 6, 2026, 7:00 PMLiberty Township LDS Stake Building6751 NE 70th Street

Kansas City, MO 64119

The family invites those who knew Mike to share stories, photographs, and memories that celebrate the life of a man who left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to his wife, Lisa Masters either through Venmo @Lisaamasters or by a mailed check to the funeral home:

Park Lawn Northland Funeral Home

1640 N State Route 291

Liberty, MO 64086

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Cary Nafziger, Mike’s friend of 10 years, coworker, and "brother from another mother," for being there for Mike and handling that difficult moment with care, compassion, and respect. We will always be grateful.