Michael Joseph Tamez, 19, of San Antonio, formerly of Leander, Texas, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. He was born on Sept. 19, 1997, in Abilene, Texas. Rosary: 7 p.m. Thursday at Beck Funeral Home, Cedar Park, Texas. Mass of Christian Burial: 2 p.m. Friday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Austin, Texas. Memorials: Contributions in memory of Michael Tamez may be made to the Texas Challenge Academy, Eagle Lake, Texas. Michael loved exploring the natural beauty of Colorado by hiking, biking, camping and climbing mountains. Any chance he took, he was outside soaking in the sunshine, often having tan lines from his socks even in the winter. Michael graduated from the Texas Challenge Academy where he prepared himself for future military service and discovered lots of self confidence, a sense of honor and pride in his accomplishments. Michael gentle and empathetic. He had a mischievous smile and infectious laugh. Pulling pranks on those around him to see them laugh was one of his favorite past times. Uniquely creative, he loved to take things apart built many imaginative creations. His sentimental spirit and genuine heart loved by many and will be greatly missed dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Louis Tamez; and aunt, Rebecca Quiroz Hoffman. Survivors: Mother, Lisa Quiroz; and partner, Cameron Farah of Leander; father, Michael Anthony Tamez and wife, Katie, of San Antonio; sisters, Alexandra Tamez of San Francisco, Calif. and Lauren Tamez of Austin; grandparents, Leonard and Delores Quiroz of Fort Worth and Bertha Tamez of San Antonio; as well as, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other family.