William Michael "MIke" Lott

William Michael Lott, age 82, of La Marque, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 due to complications from a recent illness.

Mike was born on May 9, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas to Geraldine E. McRoberts and S. V. Daniels, Jr. He was later adopted and raised by his aunt, Mattie Kathleen Daniels Lott and her husband, Clarence Garland Lott.

Mike proudly served in the United States Military under the Army division from 1962-1975. He was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War and was awarded The United States Army Commendation Medal and The Vietnam Air Medal for his acts of heroism while participating in aerial flights during the war. Upon his release from Vietnam, he taught helicopter pilot school in Mineral Wells. His degree in Business Management from Odessa College served him well as he was also a successful small business owner. He owned and operated Whataburger Restaurants in Tyler, Jacksonville, Kilgore, Marshall and Lufkin along with The Feedlot Restaurant in Tyler and Dickey’s BBQ in Clear Lake. He also managed a Jack in the Box in Tyler and Love’s Travel Stop in Van and Belton.

Mike had many passions in life but was well known for being a ballroom dance instructor. He enjoyed running track in college and showing quarter horses in his younger days. Later in life, he became an avid fisherman. When he wasn’t running his own business, he enjoyed helping other small business owners. He also loved doting on his four granddaughters. Above all, Mike was a passionate believer in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence G. Lott, Kathleen Lott Cole, Geraldine E. McRoberts and S. V. Daniels, Jr.; and his sister, Patricia “Patty” Gardner.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannie Lott; his sons, Larry Lott, and David Lott; his daughter, Lynda Fish (Jody); stepdaughter, Julie Beard (Charlie); stepson, Kevin Gates; his four granddaughters, Callie and Sarah Fish, and Haley and Kylie Beard; his brother, Marc Daniels (Margo); twin sisters, Denise Zipperer (Bob), and Sharon Schiffgen (Bob); and his nieces, DeDe Schatz (Danny), Stacey Brown (John), Kellie Wilson (Jason), Loren Daniels, Kim Gardner, Wendy Gardner, Lori Boyle; and nephew, Brent Hooser, Sr. (Cindy).