Earl Mike Dempsey passed away peacefully at TMC Monday, March 21, 2022 at the age of 88.
Mike was born May 13, 1933 in Moline, Illinois, son of Minnie Elizabeth and Michael Francis Dempsey.  He father passed away at an early age, and his mother remarried and Walter Hayden became a wonderful stepfather and grandfather to his children.  Mike married Charlotte McSparin on May 7, 1955, while Mike was in the Army stationed in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.
Mike worked as a mechanic before going  to work for Oscar Mayer in Davenport, Iowa.  He was a car, motorcycle and racing enthusiast.  With his skill as a mechanic, he worked pit crews, refurbished cars, and eventually became involved in the sport of Motocross sharing that interest with his son "Little Mike" and supporting him in the world of Motocross racing and working on his motorcycles.
In 1975 Mike took a transfer from Oscar Mayer in Davenport, Iowa to the new plant in Sherman, Texas, where he eventually retired, moving his family to the south.  This is where his love for Motocross grew into a new direction.
Ge and his friends were involved in the sport for 35 years.  Mike first opened a motorcycle shop in Sherman, Texas, Mike's Cycle Products; then he went on to start Sandy Creek Motocross  Promotions in 1977, bringing Motocross to the Texoma area.  He spent
his weekends clearing land for track and running the races alongside his wife, Charlotte.  Mike also enjoyed hanging out at the "Dempsey Pool" where many friends and family would gather to enjoy his company, smoked ribs, music, and cold beer.
Mike was proceeded in death by his wife, Charlotte; and son, Mike.
He is survived by his daughter, Wendy and husband, Jack Mueller, of Denison; his caregiver and "uber" granddaughter, Casey Rae and husband, Randal Monk, of Denison; grandchildren, Kate and husband, Andy Parker, of Allen, Texas; and Madison "Madi"  Dempsey of California; great-grandchildren, George Taylor IV, Ellie Parker and Rylie Monk Campbell; a sister, Gloria Flynn of Moline, Illinois; sister-in-law, Phyllis Strafford of Taylor Ridge, Illinois; brother-in-law, Carl and wife, Marlowe, of Charleston, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
Mike's wishes were to be cremated, with a small family gathering.  Arrangements were under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home
in Denison.