Michael Careathers

Michael Careathers, 70, a man who embodied hard work, humor, and an unshakable love for his family, passed away at home on April 30, 2025, in the company of those he cherished most. Born at Fitzsimons Army Hospital on March 26, 1955, Michael spent his life building, fixing, and exploring, leaving behind a legacy as enduring as the Colorado landscapes he knew like the back of his hand.

A Life of Grit and Grins

Michael’s hands were rarely still. After graduating high school, he turned his knack for mechanics into a career, repairing and selling cars with a sharp eye for detail. By 1977, he shifted gears to construction, helping shape Cherry Creek’s skyline through hotels and homes that still stand today. For a decade, he balanced this work with side hustles that showcased his versatility: driving cabs through Denver’s bustling streets, chauffeuring clients with a smile, and even catering events where his care and dedication stole the show.

Colorado’s Unofficial Tour Guide

If Colorado had a roadmap to its soul, Michael memorized it. He navigated the highways, backroads, and mountain passes with ease, earning him a reputation as the family’s go to navigator. His 2018 Toyota Sienna XLE, a practical choice for hauling grandkids, shared a space in his heart with vintage 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix T-top and a fiery 1982 Camaro, symbols of his lifelong passion for cars.

Family Man, Grill Master, Prankster

In 2016, Michael achieved a milestone of buying his first house which he proudly celebrated. But his greatest pride was his family. For 46 years, he shared laughter and life with his wife, Ramona, their five children, 25 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Through out Michaels life weekends meant firing up the grill, casting lines into quiet fishing spots, or scrolling online for deals. His humor was contagious whether sneaking sweets to the grandkids or cracking jokes, he turned everyday moments into memories.

A Legacy Carved in Love

Michael’s story wasn’t told in grand gestures, but in the quiet dedication of a man who showed up. He taught his family the value of hard work, the joy of a well timed joke, and the magic of a perfectly grilled burger. His absence leaves a void, but his spirit lives on in the hum of a classic car engine, the smell of BBQ smoke, and the winding roads he loved to drive.

A gathering to honor Michael’s life will be held privately by his family. In lieu of flowers, they ask that you share a story about him, take a long drive through Colorado’s backroads, or simply savor a meal with loved ones in spirit of Michael.