Michael Resa

Michael Eugene Resa, age 45, of Sarcoxie, passed away Saturday, February 19, 2011, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.      Michael was born July 14, 1965 at Macon, Missouri to Edward and Delores (Reitz) Resa.  He grew up in Leonard, Missouri and prepared for his career in education by earning an Associate of Arts degree from North Central Community College in 1985, a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri Southern State University in 1987, a Masters of Science in Administration-Principalship from Pittsburg State University in 1991, and a Specialist in Education in Administration-Superintendency from Missouri State University in 1998.     Michael began teaching physical education and coaching boys basketball in 1988 in Golden City, Missouri.  He then went to Hickory County R-1 (Skyline High School), Urbana, Missouri for 10 years where he served as a teacher, assistant principal, athletic director and head boys basketball coach.  During his tenure as head basketball coach, his teams won eight consecutive conference championships, appeared in four district championships, and advanced to two Missouri Final Fours where they place 3rd in 1993 and 2nd in 1995.  He was selected the Missouri 2A Co-Coach of the year in 1995 by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association.  He was also chosen to coach in the Missouri Hall of Fame games in 1995.      In 2000 he embarked on his 11 years as a superintendent - Wheatland R-2, Lamar R-1, and Sarcoxie R-2.  Under his leadership as superintendent, two bond issues were passed that helped improve the quality of education of students.  At Lamar, the district received its first Distinction in Performance recognition by the state of Missouri.  He was a member of the Southwest Missouri School Administrators' Association, Missouri School Administrators' Association, and American Association of School Administrators.      Always active in his community, Michael was a former Rotarian and served on many boards including the LIFE Foundation, Lamar Country Club, and Southwest Center Excellence for Education.  He was a charter member of Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church in Urbana, Missouri where he served on the church board.  Upon moving to Lamar, his membership was transferred to Lamar United Methodist Church.  He attended First Baptist Church of Sarcoxie.      An avid outdoorsman, Michael enjoyed golfing, hunting deer and turkey with a bow or gun, or any sports activity that could be shared with his family.  He got much joy out of rooting for the Mizzou Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals.      On May 26, 1990, Michael married Sonia Higgins and she survives, of the home.  Also surviving are two sons, Kelty Resa and Colby Resa both of the home; his mother and step-father, Delores & James Thrasher, Leonard, Missouri; his mother-in-law, Rose Higgins, Lamar; three brothers, James Resa, Leonard, Missouri, John & wife Angie Resa, Shelbyville, Missouri, and Walter & wife Angela Resa, Oronogo, Missouri; three sisters and their husbands, Shirley & Jim Hunt, Monroe City, Missouri, Sharon & Doug Clemons, Weatherby, Missouri, and Janis & Kevin Lindsey, Sherman, Illinois; a large extended family; and a multitude of respected colleagues and treasured friends.      Michael was preceded in death by his father, Edward Resa; paternal grandparents, Walter & Leota Resa; and maternal grandparents, Fred & Nadine Reitz.      Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 23rd, at First Baptist Church of Sarcoxie.  A graveside committal service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Lake Cemetery at Lamar.      The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar.      Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, First Baptist Church of Sarcoxie Building Project, or the Michael Resa Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.