Michael Parks LaBrier, known to most as Mike, passed away at home on April 10, 2026, at the age of 77.

Mike was the son of Fred and Myrtle LaBrier and grew up closely connected to his community. He was a proud and active member of the Berkeley Bulldogs, Class of 1966. During high school, he distinguished himself academically and creatively as a member of the Jazz Trio and Band, Quill and Scroll National Honor Society, Press Club II, the Spanish and Latin Clubs, and the staff of the school newspaper, The Barker . He also competed in baseball and track.

Following high school, Mike entered military service and served as an airman in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. As an accomplished trumpeter, he was selected to perform with the Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps. After completing leaving the Air Force, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Mike's love of language and storytelling led to a successful career in writing and communications. He wrote and photographed for various publications and companies, including The Salem News, The St. Louis County Record , and McDonnell Douglas. He later worked with several advertising agencies. His longest and most meaningful professional chapters were spent with The Savan Company and The Zeis Group. Mike's work earned two FLAIR Awards (1982), two NAMA Awards (1990), and a St. Louis Metropolitan Area Emmy Award for writing (1992).

Mike's interests were wide-ranging and enthusiastically pursued. He loved music in all forms whether playing it, listening to it, or discovering new genres. He was active in bands, playing trumpet for Pepsitones and The Clique, where his talent and musicianship were on display and widely respected. He rode motorcycles, lifted weights, played tennis, wrote poetry, and delighted in practical jokes of all kinds. An avid reader, he found special joy in the works of P. G. Wodehouse and loved old movies from the height of the Hollywood era. Above all, Mike valued wit, curiosity, and laughter.

He is survived by his cherished wife, Susan Hemenway LaBrier; beloved Dobermans Lucy and Ramona; sister Patricia LaBrier Michaud; nieces Wendy Ragland and Robynn Ragland Coffman (Stephen); great-nieces Caitlynn and Cassidy Coffman; and great-nephew Zayden Ragland. He was especially loved by his in-laws and many Hemenway nieces, nephews, and great-nephews for his quick wit and the warm chuckle that followed when it hit the mark.

Mike also shared an enduring friendship with his official buddy John Moore.

Mike was deeply loved by his family who knew him as a source of humor, creativity, and unfailing loyalty. His absence will be felt keenly, but his words, music, and laughter remain.

Services:

A celebration of life for Michael will be held at the FAMILY CENTER at SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, MO on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a sharing of memories will be held at 12:30 p.m. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.