Michael Allen Baulch

Michael Allen Baulch, a devoted husband, father, brother, and man of deep faith, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of love, service, adventure, and devotion to his family and his Lord.

Michael was born and raised in Sweetwater, Texas, to Joe M. Baulch and Hazel Greer Baulch. He was one of four children, with two older brothers, Joe R. Baulch and David F. Baulch, and a younger sister, Emma K. Baulch.

Growing up in Sweetwater and being raised in the church helped shape the man he would become. His faith in God was not simply a part of his life—it was the foundation of it.

After graduating from high school, Michael attended Tarleton State College for a time before moving to Dallas, where he began working for Texas Instruments as a mechanical engineer. While working at TI, he was drafted into the United States Army and stationed in Germany. It was there that he met the love of his life, Gisela Schneider.

Michael and Gisela were married and recently celebrated an extraordinary 65 years together. Their marriage was a testament to a lifetime of love, companionship, and shared adventure. Together they raised two sons, Michael Jr. and Kenneth Wayne Baulch, in the North Texas areas of Dallas, Garland, and Lucas. While raising his family, Michael obtained his BS degree from East Texas State University.

After retiring from his career as a mechanical engineer, Michael began a second career that brought him great enjoyment and allowed him to continue serving others. He became a school bus driver and continued driving for more than 25 years. He loved the students, the people he worked with, and the opportunity to be a dependable part of their daily lives. Driving a school bus became much more than a job for Michael—it was another way for him to connect with people and make a difference. He continued driving well into his retirement, finally stopping only after receiving his cancer diagnosis.

Michael had two other great passions in life, with the first being flying. He earned his private pilot's license, helicopter license, and instructor licenses, turning his passion for aviation into a lifelong pursuit, even teaching his wife to fly. Flying was more than a hobby to Michael—it was one of the great joys of his life.

His second passion was his love for riding motorcycles. For Michael, a motorcycle was not merely a recreational vehicle; it was his preferred means of transportation. He would ride in almost any weather, with one exception—ice. His riding days only ended recently, as he was able to continue riding until he was 89.

Above all of his adventures and accomplishments, Michael was a man of faith. He loved the Lord and cherished the fellowship of the church. He believed deeply in treating others as he would want to be treated and in showing goodwill to those around him. He was often among the first to offer a helping hand when someone was in need. His faith was expressed not only in what he believed, but in the way he lived his life and treated other people.

Michael was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Wayne Baulch. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Gisela; his son, Michael Jr.; his sister, Emma Kathleen; his three grandchildren, Kyle Wayne, Piper Olivia, and Tristan Michael; extended family and friends; and all those whose lives he touched through his kindness, faith, humor, and willingness to help.

His life was marked by devotion—to God, to his family, to his wife, and to the principles by which he lived. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, perseverance, service, and adventure that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

He is now at peace with his Lord, free from suffering and surrounded by the eternal promise in which he so deeply believed.

Rest in peace, Michael. You were deeply loved, and you will be deeply missed.