Richard Michael "Mike" Congleton

Richard Michael “Mike” Congleton, 71, of Indianapolis, passed away suddenly on the evening of May 14, 2022, at his residence. Mike was born on September 30, 1950, to the late Richard Dale Congleton and Mildred (Peterson) Congleton. On October 14, 1972, he wed Beverly R. Watson.

An intelligent man, Mike earned his Bachelor of Education degree from Indiana University, his Master of Social Studies degree from Butler University, and a Juris Doctor of Law degree from Indiana University. Mike taught social studies classes at Southport High School for a number of years where he also coached tennis until 1987. Mike left teaching to open a private practice in law, and then went on to become a real estate agent. Mike retired in 2007 to spend much of his time caring for his two daughters and wife.

A heart of gold, Mike loved the numerous dogs that the family rescued over the years, most recently his canine companion, Cookie. When not caring for others, Mike enjoyed a good glass of Chianti, and watching IU basketball play. Always up for a challenge, Mike always liked to repair computers; he served on the computer committee at St. Barnabas Catholic Church where he and his family are members.

In 2018 Mike was diagnosed with throat cancer which forced him to have his larynx removed. Mike courageously fought this battle with a positive attitude and worked to establish a support group with his speech therapist, Kaitlin Pennington, at Community Hospital North for others who suffered from head and neck cancers. “Voiceless, but not speechless!” was Mike’s motto through losing his voice to throat cancer but becoming an advocate for others, showing that he had a lot of life left to live. Through this process, Mike was able to educate medical personnel on communicating with patients who lost their voices but not their lives. Mike gave his all to supporting those in several laryngectomy Facebook groups, often texting them words of encouragement before life-changing procedures and providing support in the days after. Mike was a proud member of the Community Health Network South Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Mike’s enthusiasm for life, witty sense of humor, and genuine personality will be dearly missed by all of those who loved him. The impact he had on his family, students, clients, and those in the head and neck cancer community will not soon be forgotten.

Along with both parents, Mike is preceded in death by a daughter, Colleen Elizabeth “Kiki” Congleton, and stepmother, Nina (Raymond) Congleton.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly R. (Watson) Congleton; a daughter, Annelise C. Congleton; sister, Susan (Ken) Meadows; stepsisters, Cindy (Randy) Emily and Lorelei (Steve) Terkhorn; numerous extended family members and friends.

The Life Celebration® Visitation for Mike will be held Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the chapel at the O’Riley-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis. Prayers will be said in the funeral home Saturday at 12:30 PM prior to the celebration of Mass. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 21, 2022, in St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 8300 Rahke Road, Indianapolis. Following the celebration of Mass, burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Health Network Foundation; envelopes will be provided at the funeral home. Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to leave an online condolence for the Congleton family.