of Corinth, TX
June 9, 1953 - May 17, 2023
John Michael Plaxco passed away on May 17, 2023. He was born on June 9, 1953 in Little Rock, AR. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Raymond (J.R.) and Sue Ellen Plaxco and his older sister, Debbie Trombley. He was married to the love of his life, wife, Donna Yvonne for almost fifty years.
He parlayed an early interest of hunting with his father, into a decades-long career as a professional marksman, winning numerous national and world titles along the way. He also nurtured a passion for teaching, by hosting instructional courses and producing books and videos. He even appeared on television a few times.
He loved cooking in the kitchen as a supportive team with Yvonne. He cooked chili, grilled steak and reverse-engineered his mother's revered fried chicken recipe.
His wisdom and guidance will be missed be all that knew him. He was always joking and uttered quick-witted bits of humorous insight with aplomb. He occasionally liked to drop unusual words mid-sentence, just to see if you were paying attention. He had an affinity for math and could perform calculations in his head without pen, paper or calculator. He was incredibly observant of his surroundings and could foresee multiple steps before they occurred.
Mid-career, he became a regional sales manager, which allowed him to indulge in another interest: being around people and telling his latest, favorite corny jokes.
He was a voracious reader, always learning and refining techniques. He had many bookshelves filled with fiction and non-fiction books.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; their son, Jason (Cherilyn); his nephew, Jonathan Shannon Moore (Amy) and numerous close friends and family.
Visitation for Michael will be Tuesday, May 23, 2023 in the Chapel of Roller-Drummond Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 10:00am Wednesday, at the funeral home, with burial to follow in Hamilton Family Cemetery in Casa, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness at donate.nami.org.
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47 Condolence(s)
Michael A. Hall
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
I worked with Michael at S&W and he was indefinably one of the good guys. I was an old bullseye shooter and he used to make fun of how slow I was. When we'd go back for training we'd hang out and talk gunsmithing and shooting. During training, if I'd miss a target, he'd always say, "the only thing worse than a miss, is a slow miss", then he'd laugh that goofy laugh of his. Michael will be truly missed.
Steven Willis
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
I was going through old emails and found on the internet that you had passed. I can't thank you enough for answering all my firearm and shooting related questions no matter what they were. You graciously gave me your time and your humility and humor left a lasting impression on me. Thank you for being you and thank you for being a friend. Fair winds my friend and to all of your family and extended family please take comfort knowing that you lived a full life and are now resting comfortably in the hands of our savior. God bless you all.
Steven
Tom Manly
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Michael lived just a few blocks from me, here in Corinth, TX. I always enjoyed talking about golf and Corvettes with Michael. He was very kind to my son, Chad, who he played golf with and helped when Chad was having problems with his shotgun at one time. I knew Michael was a champion shooter, but never had the opportunity to shoot with him. A very nice man, who will be missed by many. RIP Michael
Jerry and Ernestine Parker
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Jerry and I have known Michael for a short period of time but he always had a big smile on his face and ALWAYS ready to help in any way he could. We will definitely miss him in our neighborhood! Sorry for tbe loss!
Mickey Schuch
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Rest easy sir. Thank you for all that you learned and passed on.
You will be missed.
Angelo Spagnoli
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Michael. He was a fantastic person and an amazing shooter. I had the pleasure of shooting many tournaments with Michael in the so called super squad. He was always so gracious and always willing to help a fellow shooter even though I was his direct competitor. He always had a huge smile and his face and his laugh was infectious. May Michael rest in eternal peace. He will be missed, God Bless.
Bob Coker
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
It sadden my heart when I heard of Michael’s passing. We shot together and worked together at Red Ball Motor Freight and Broadway Arms. Then I worked for him at his shop in Roland. I was with him when he traded his S&W model 29-2 for his first Colt 1911. The rest is history and A lot of good memories.
Ted Bonnet
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Michael Plaxco was a great guy. He was always fun to shoot with and was a great competitor. Some of the things he had to say, I still repeat to a lot of our shooters. Two of Michael Plaxco’s sayings were “The only thing worse than a miss is a slow missâ€, and the other “you can’t miss fast enough to winâ€.
He always had some words of wisdom to share. The shooting community will miss him.
Jack Cates
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
I took several classes under Michael and the years after that he always treated me like a close friend.
A good man.
Lynn Ford
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
So sorry for your loss all I can remember about Mike he was always smiling no matter what love you Yvonne and Jason
Mike Dolan
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Good times in the eighties,competing with Mike in Little Rock, Berryville, Pine Bluff. Also traveling
to Columbia, Mo, and Mid Winter matches in Ohio. Great fellowship for these many years. Mike had an outstanding personality.....well liked by all who had the good fortune to meet and share time with
him. Ever rest to Michael.....a life well lived. He and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jerry and Ernestine Parker
Monday, May 22, 2023
Jerry and I have known Michael for a short period of time but he always had a big smile on his face and ALWAYS ready to help in any way he could. We will definitely miss him in our neighborhood! Sorry for tbe loss!
Larry Wood
Monday, May 22, 2023
Joe Ford
Monday, May 22, 2023
Yuvonne and Jason I'm sorry for your loss.
Mike may you rest in peace.
Bill Steward
Sunday, May 21, 2023
A good guy, a friend for over 40 years. I will, miss our visits……
john d clouse
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Plaxco (i was allowed to call him just that ) was an absolute genius in so many ways ,he gave everything he touched 200% and was talented way above average in so many different ventures that you would never grasp coming from one mind !!!! im not good at putting things into words but iv been around all types of people in my travels and when asked like we all have been Whos one of the most interesting people you have met Plaxco was without fail in my top 3 list.... we where buds the minute we met and that never changed . only thing better than his shooting skills was his people skills . Go rest easy my unusual and treasured friend .god bless you all
Bob Scott
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Michael left the world in a better place than he found it. He was a gentleman, sportsman, father and husband, who always had time for others, whether it was shooting, hunting, golfing or just living. He will be missed by many. The video is a great tribute to the gentle man that he was. Condolences to his family and close friends.
michael dardin
Sunday, May 21, 2023
lot of old memories.
peace
William and Cheistie Rogers
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Mike was a pioneer in the developement of the compensator used in competition in the early 1980s. he was a kind, gracious, gentleman, whose word was as good as gold.-----Bill Rogers
Bill Steward
Sunday, May 21, 2023
A good guy, a friend for over 40 years. I will, miss our visits……
Jay R. Plaxco
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Michael, sadly we never met, I was named after your father because of what he did for my grandfather when he was young. I have followed your career, I always admired you and bragging about your accomplishments. My thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time. I hope you have found peace
Cobert Crews
Saturday, May 20, 2023
I met Mike at the gun club that we were members at. The first day I met him, I didn’t know who he was, and we were getting ready to shoot skeet. I told Mike, “don’t mind me, I’m just club clown and i like to have a little funâ€, or something like that. Well, he took that as a throw down and it was game on. Well, needless to say, I learned a lot from him and laughed a lot with him. Had a lot of great memories with Mike and he will be severely missed. I’m very sorry about this loss. Rest in peace Mike.
Bill Steward
Saturday, May 20, 2023
A good guy, a friend for over 40 years. I will, miss our visits……
Kenny M. Harvey
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Learning of Mike's passing we send our condolences and prayers to the family. What a wonderful memorial tribute.
Kenny & Jacque Harvey
McClellan Class of 1971
Judy Campbell Lewis
Saturday, May 20, 2023
When I think of Michael, I think of his smile. We were blessed to live next door to Michael and Yvonne for several years in Corinth. Michael was alway fun to talk with and I loved all his funny stories. Just like it mentioned above Michael loved dropping those unusual words on me and then he couldn’t wait for me to respond always catching me off guard. It was hard for us to to move from such an awesome neighborhood but even harder was moving away from our neighbors we learned to love and Michael was at the top of the list. He alway brighten my day and that light will be missed.
Rebecca (Hope) Delivuk
Saturday, May 20, 2023
I had the honor of knowing Mr. Plaxco through my dad (Steve Hope) when we would shoot out at NTSA. Mr. Plaxco was always so patient and observant when he was shooting with us. He had a great sense of humor and was always making us laugh. I am deeply saddened to know that he has passed. I am forever grateful to have known and learned from him. He was so uniquely fun to shoot along side with. My condolences to his family.
brenda hamilton earwood
Saturday, May 20, 2023
michael was my second cousin. i never knew him to be anything but a good boy. i wish i could attend, but my husband has had a stroke and im caring for him. my prayers go with him
Jayme Ditsworth
Saturday, May 20, 2023
As a longtime golfing buddy of my father’s, Michael was a reappearing character in my childhood. Dinner with him and Yvonne was always an anticipated event, because Michael had an uncanny way of making everyone feel seen and special—even those of us eating off of the kids menu. The love Yvonne and Michael shared was felt by everyone who spent time in their presence. Even as a 10 year old I recognized how Michael treated Yvonne like a queen. A real life love story for the ages!!
I like to think Michael’s up there cracking jokes in heaven, blessing generations past with his kindness, wit, and wonderful laugh.
Sending you all my love, Yvonne!!
â¤ï¸Jayme
Kelley Rathman
Saturday, May 20, 2023
I was just given the news of Mike’s passing by my brother in law who lives in your area. Mike and I worked together for many years, with Smith & Wesson. I had the good fortune to be a part of the sales team, and I traveled quite a bit to various events all over the country. I was always happy to share a table with Mike, and so enjoyed his many stories, and his big laugh! He taught me a great deal about the shooting sports, and did so with a great sense of humor, and skill. I always felt extra safe when he was on the range. Rest easy my friend. I know you’re already deeply missed. Thanks for the knowledge and laughs. Sincere condolences for your loving family.
Ron and Lynn Chapman
Saturday, May 20, 2023
For the past 16 years, we’ve enjoyed our neighbor, Michael’s sharp wit and sense of humor. He would always speak and spend a few moments chatting. Our dog loved Michael! He will be missed. We pray for peace and comfort for Yvonne, Jason and their friends and family. He will be missed.
L. Mike Simmons
Friday, May 19, 2023
Like many others, I "knew" J Michael thru his many contributions to the shooting sports. I've seen him shoot, along with the rest of my generations "super squad". The world is better for him having been in it, and poorer for his leaving us. My condolences to his family, we'll have a special "shoot" for him Saturday night. Hold center, squirt. Quickly....
Lori Newman
Friday, May 19, 2023
What a lovely tribute to your father. He sounds like a wonderful man. I’m so sorry for your loss and will continue to send positive thoughts & prayers your way.
Gary Clough
Friday, May 19, 2023
Jason, again, so very sorry for your loss.
Bob Pettit
Friday, May 19, 2023
Sorry for your loss. Mike was a good friend and neighbor for many years. Always fun to be with at the gun club. All the guys at the club will miss him. Yvonne and Jason, if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Linda Winterburn
Friday, May 19, 2023
We’ve known Michael only ten years but he was one of those people you immediately knew was a special friend. His sense of humor was probably the one thing that set him apart at our neighborhood gatherings. His love of In -N-Out burgers was unchallenged, no one could show up there where the staff knew what he was going to order as soon as he and Yvonne pulled up!!! Such a wonderful neighbor, it’s hard to believe he’s gone. Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Yvonne and her family.
gil angelotti
Friday, May 19, 2023
Micheal was his own man. World was a better place with him around, but I still remember the day in Africa, that you shot the Wart-mouse. I'm sure God has brought this up during your entry interview and He is still laughing.
RIP brother.
John Podergois
Friday, May 19, 2023
I first met Mike at the Bianchi Cup in the late 70's.
We then worked together at Smith & Wesson for
over a dozen years. I was proud of the fact that he
said I was his mentor at S&W. I will miss his smile
and quick wit. In addition to being a top pistol
competitor, he was also a great golfer. I was playing
with him once when he got a" hole in one".
My condolences to Yvonne and Jason.
Cindy Noyes
Friday, May 19, 2023
So sorry for your loss. I met Michael on the range and he was always friendly and helpful. As was said before, he was a true gentleman and he will be missed. Godspeed sir!
Ronin Colman
Friday, May 19, 2023
I’ve known Mike since 1982. Competed and hunted with him. He was also very helpful with product development. A gentleman of the first order. My condolences to his wife and son.
Chris Edwards
Friday, May 19, 2023
I am saddened to hear of Mike's passing, and hope his family will find peace during this time.
I, like many others knew "J. Michael" from the range. I believe I took my first real shooting course from him 40 years ago. I remember him well on the various ranges we shot on, always a positive attitude, big smile and a quick laugh. He was one of the early pioneers in practical shooting and innovated in the gunsmithing field and all the different disciplines-IPSC/USPSA, Steel Challenge and others. A National Champion, he represented America at world events.
RIP, shooter-you will be missed
Bruce Braxton
Friday, May 19, 2023
I was saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was a great competitor and, more importantly, a great friend and mentor.
Ernie Hill
Friday, May 19, 2023
God bless you Michael Plaxco!!
Condolences to the family.
Nolan Smyth
Friday, May 19, 2023
Even though I'm just an ordinary recreational competitor, Mr. Plaxco always had a friendly greeting for me whenever we met on the range. He kidded me for wearing my usual long sleeved white dress shirt at matches saying I needed a bow tie to go with my shirt.
Jay and Carolyn Ditsworth
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Once in a lifetime friend. We shared many laughs and good times with our two families over the years. Reflecting back on those times gives us strength in this time of loss. Rest in peace old friend.
Edwin Blackburn
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Philip called to give me sad news of your loss.. my sincere condolences to you and your son on a true friend of the shooting community who was always so freely forthgiving of help to any who ask. I first met him thru Pat Cronin’s BBG events at the annual PPC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS where each year I had the privilege to be seated next to Mike and ask so many questions he could hardly eat. 12-14 years later, again at Pearl,Ms, I asked him at a S&W event to shoot some for me. He asked why and I replied “because I’ve never seen you shootâ€. He of course answered my request displaying his unique skills with a handgun many witnessed and like me “saw with my own eyes and still couldn’t believe his speedâ€â€¦ I was so fortunate to have known him. He is missed. If we ALL didn’t hurt so much shedding tears, it would mean mean we never Loved him.. he is missed by many. I’m so sorry, Edwin
Guy Neill
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Michael was always friendly and personable. A very capable individual.
Condolences to is his family.
Mary Schaffer
Thursday, May 18, 2023
My thoughts are with you during the difficult days now and in the future.