Michael Estes

HEYBURN – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Joe Estes, who left this world peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the age of 59, surrounded by his family and close friends.

Born on June 7, 1965, in Burley, Idaho, to Harold and Virginia Estes. He spent his youth in the Mini- Cassia area, graduating from Minico High School in 1983. He rode bucking bulls while in high school and continued into his early 20s, ranking 13th in the nation. He joined the Marines in 1983, and after his discharge, he returned to Burley. He was a horizontal driller for 25 years, during which he traveled the country, making friends wherever he went. In 2021, he moved to Cascade, Idaho, where he spent the next four years driving truck. In February, Michael was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and moved to Heyburn, where his daughter, Danielle, cared for him.

Michael is survived by his father, Harold Estes; sister, Colleen Ashmead; brother, Shawn Estes; daughters, Danielle Fisher, Ashlie Asher, Virginia Goodwin, and Shannon Estes; and son, Dalton Asher, as well as seven grandchildren; and his nieces and nephews. In addition to his family, Michael was surrounded by countless friends who became like family to him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Estes; and daughter, MacKinzie Estes.

We want to extend our thanks to St. Luke’s Hospice for the compassion they showed Michael.

We would also like to thank Delia Lovingfoss, David Bench, Tracy Bench, Doug Kowitz, and Raunda Challis for everything you did for Michael.

From Michael: I must tell you I have had a great life and it has been a hoot! A sh*tbox full of irony and bad choices, but for those of you who rode the rapids with me, I am grateful; you made me the guy I am today.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at the Grandview Cemetery in Elba, Idaho. Military rites will be performed by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.