Michael Wayne "Mike" Dartez

September 7, 1971 - January 22, 2017

Iowa – Michael W. “Mike” Dartez, 45, passed away in Houston, Texas on January 22, 2017. Mike was born on September 7, 1971. He was the son of Robert & Paulette Dartez, and birthfather, Hubert “Bo” VanSlyke (Pam). He was a 1989 graduate of Sam Houston High School and was employed as a deputy for the Calcasieu Parish’s Sheriff Office for 22 years. In his spare time, he loved hunting, fishing, camping, stirring a black iron pot (whether cooking for his family or friends or for a benefit to help someone.) He was a member of the Iowa Tailgate Crew, former BOD for Iowa Dixie Youth Pony League. He coached for many years and was a great supporter of Iowa High School Athletics. Mike was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was an ACTS brother. Mike was a double transplant recipient, having received a kidney from his loving & devoted wife. He was always the first one to lend a helping hand. Mike was the kind of friend who made people laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and live a little better. Survivors are his loving wife of 22 years, Nikki Husers Dartez; son Michael “Garett” Dartez (girlfriend, Jacey Miller); parents; siblings, Robert “Robbie” Dartez, Jr., Justin VanSlyke (Kristen); mother-in-law, Benita Husers, sisters-in-law, Cindy Stantz (Donald), Nancy Brignac (Curtis); nieces & nephews, Brent Stantz (Misty), Brandy Sawyer (Lee), Kasey Clifton (Kolby) and Jesey Brignac, Austin & Ryley Dartez (godchild), Riley & Matthew VanSlyke, great-nieces and nephews, Madison (godchild) & Piper Clifton, Reed & Renley Sawyer, Pailey Brignac, Deacon, Tyson & Weston Stanz. He is preceded in death by his brother, Jason Lynn VanSlyke, his grandparents, Ernest & Dorothy Abshire, Mary Abshire, Joseph and Mary Lou Dartez; and father-in-law, Ronald “Buddy” Husers. A Mass of Christian burial will be in St. Raphael Catholic Church on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Father Bennie Wego and Deacon Toni Pousson officiating. Burial will follow in Lacassine Cemetery under the direction of Johnson & Brown Funeral Home. Visitation begins Wednesday in St. Raphael Catholic Church of Iowa, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., with a rosary at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service. Visitation will resume Thursday from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Pallbearers assisting in his service are: Garett Dartez, Robbie Dartez, Justin VanSlyke, Darren Theriot, Randy Buller, Danny Demary, Bubba Roseberry, Mike Fuselier; Honorary Pallbearers: Shane Welsh and Curtis Sterling.