Michael Duke Ethridge Obituary | Larkin Mortuary

Michael Duke Ethridge, age 67, handed away instantly and unexpectedly on June 18, 2026.

Born on January 10, 1959, in Brandon, Mississippi, Mike known as each Mississippi and Alaska residence whereas rising up. After graduating from Kenai Central High School in Alaska, he served a full-time Spanish-speaking mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints within the Texas El Paso Mission.

Mike attended Brigham Young University, the place he earned a Bachelor of Arts diploma in Political Science and International Relations. While attending school, he joined the U.S. Air Force ROTC program and later accomplished Advanced Leadership Training on the Air Command and Staff College. He additionally accomplished Squadron Officer School, the place he was acknowledged as a Distinguished Graduate.

It was throughout his school years that he met the love of his life, JoAnn “JoJo” Garff. Mike and Jo have been married in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1982 and shared 44 great years of marriage. During that point, they traveled the world collectively and most not too long ago loved spending time in Florida.

Mike proudly served his nation for greater than 20 years, flying with the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Air National Guard, and the U.S. Air Force Reserve. His assignments included serving as a T-38 flight teacher, flying the KC-10 and KC-135, and dealing as a U.S. Air Force Academy Liaison Officer. Throughout his army profession, he flew in quite a few operations, together with Operations El Dorado Canyon, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm, together with different missions greatest remembered by his fellow Gucci brothers and sisters. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Mike started his distinguished business aviation profession with Delta Air Lines in August 1991. Over greater than three a long time, he served in a wide range of roles throughout a number of fleets, together with the Boeing 727, Lockheed L-1011, Boeing 737, Airbus A320, MD-88, Boeing 757/767, and Boeing 767-400. In addition to his flying assignments, Mike made important contributions as a Line Check Pilot, an teacher on a number of plane, and in a management position throughout the Salt Lake City Chief Pilot’s Office.

Mike liked flying. But much more than flying, he liked his household and mates. He was a wonderful storyteller, a loyal husband, a unprecedented father and grandfather, and the rock of his household. For greater than a decade, Mike and Jo shared a ardour for biking. Whether in Utah or Florida, they logged numerous miles collectively, at all times with their little canine alongside for the journey. He was unapologetically himself. Everyone thought Mike was their greatest buddy as a result of he had a exceptional present for making every individual really feel seen, valued, and liked.When Mike requested, “What can I do for you?” he really meant it—after which he did it.

Mike was Jo’s all the pieces—her greatest buddy, the love of her life, and her biggest supply of power. Together they constructed a fantastic life and raised 4 kids: Adam, Kristen (Patrick Bardsley), Steven, and Megan. He additionally leaves behind 4 unbelievable grandchildren: Madelyn, Owen, Charlotte, and Callum. Mike and Jo misplaced their son Steven sixteen years in the past — a grief that by no means absolutely leaves. Now, within the wake of Mike’s sudden passing, the household sought solutions by way of a personal post-mortem. None have been discovered. He had the wholesome coronary heart of a 35-year-old athlete. The absence of an evidence, as with Steven earlier than him, is its personal loss — and one the household will carry with grace and sorrow.

Mike lived his life in service to his household and mates, providing steering on issues each trivial and profound. His happiest moments have been spent touring, instructing, teaching, biking, enjoyable on the seaside, and sharing the straightforward, on a regular basis moments of life, so long as he was with the individuals he liked. Mike will likely be deeply missed and was taken from us far too quickly. His beloved “Big Papi” hugs will likely be cherished endlessly.

A Celebration of Life will likely be held on Wednesday, July 8. Casual apparel is welcome. Please deliver your tales and be a part of us as we have fun this larger-than-life, honorable man whose life touched so many.

Celebration of Life for Michael Ethridge

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

7:00 p.m.

Carrigan Residence

9157 S. Baronay Circle, Sandy, Utah 84093

Parking is offered close by at Albion Middle School