Michael Edward Pace

Michael Edward Pace passed away on Sept. 11, 2025 from complications related to Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a disease he had bravely battled and had been in remission from.
He was born on Jan. 29, 1947, in Muskogee, Okla., to Harold and Betty June Pace. In high school, he became a two-time Oklahoma State Tennis Champion and later attended Oklahoma State University on a tennis scholarship.
On June 17, 1967, he married the love of his life, Connie Lou Smart. At the time, he was proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, La. Mike and Connie were married for 58 wonderful years, during which they raised three children.
Following his six years of military service, he attended the Bear Valley School of Preaching in Denver, Colo., which began his lifelong ministry. Over the next 53 years, he served faithfully in several congregations, preaching and spreading the gospel. Most recently assisting the Willard congregation. In addition to ministry, earlier he worked at Office Concepts of Missouri in Springfield.
He had many interests - an avid fisherman, always a golf enthusiast, and above all, a man full of life and energy. But more than anything, he loved his family deeply and unconditionally.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Lisa Vaughn; his in-laws, Dale and Othel Smart, with whom he shared a very special bond; and his beloved sister-in-law, Sally.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Connie; their children: Tom (Ami) Pace of Harrison, Ark.; Leslie (Bo) Dickinson of Maumelle, Ark.; and Christie Sweeney of Spain. He also leaves behind his sister Judy Utt of Chanute, Kan.; four grandchildren; and a bonus grandson; and three great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 at Union Hill Church of Christ, with Steve Martin officiating. Burial followed at Patterson Cemetery.
Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.