In Loving Memory of Eldon "Mick" Mickler

May 12, 1956 - June 10, 2008

Eldon Gene Mickler, lovingly known as “Mick”, passed away on June 10, 2008 at the age of 52. In spite of many physical obstacles due to Muscular Dystrophy, which he was diagnosed with at age 2 and was given 6 to 8 years to live, Mick beat the odds and lived to age 52, even surviving a bout of cancer along the way. Mick was the founder and “fearless leader” of Disability Advocates of America, a disability advocacy company providing assistance with Social Security disability claims in all 50 states. Since 2001, he has trained over 50 disability advocates, and his advocates have assisted literally thousands with their claims.

Mick graduated from Angelo State University in San Angelo, TX in 1991. Before he founded Disability Advocates of America, Mick also worked at Disability Determination Services and Vocational Rehabilitation Services, both agencies of The State of Texas.

Mick was very proud of all he accomplished and worked tirelessly on behalf of people with disabilities. No doubt the many advocates he has trained will continue his quest and make him proud.

Mick is survived by his wife, Becky of Cedar Creek TX, his sister, Linda Elliott of Marble Falls TX, and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. He was preceeded in death by his parents, E. W. and Betty Mickler of Stamford, TX.

He will be remembered by all for his boundless courage and his quick wit and sense of humor. His pool of knowledge of disability issues was literally amazing, and he so enjoyed spending his days on his voice activated computers and on his phone advising advocates and clients. He was truly committed to his work and his family and will be missed by all.

Anyone wishing to honor 'Mick' is asked by the family to please send donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation or the Texas Rehab Center in Abilene TX, where Eldon Gene had helped in their fund raising campaign when he was three years old, as it was his picture used on their fund raising posters.

Memorial Book (Add an entry)

Posted by Connie White from DAOA

Mick rose above the many challenges in his life to help others overcome their challenges. His story is very familiar to all of us. He was always filled with optimism, never a critical word for anyone. He had the gift of being able to offer criticism or advice while still making you feel like a million bucks. He offered a shoulder to cry on when a big, bad judge gave you a hard time, and boundless praise and celebration when you got that first win. He has to be on my top ten list of one of the most courageous people I know in the world. He devoted the past years of his life to helping and encouraging others and helping others, both clients and advocates, to achieve their goals. Mick, I miss you so much, and I am sure you are looking down on us from Heaven, thinking "...you mean it will take 4 of you to do my job?". Mick will always live on in my heart and mind and I am grateful for his powerful guidance.

Posted by Joe Vidrine from Houma, LA

Mick was the man! I owe him. Not only did he pick out from many applicants (with no experience I might add), but he trained me well. I have engaged in numerous business endeavors and wasted much money and time in the process. There are so many fly by night businesses that can lure those many people looking to improve their lot by starting their own business. Mick's business was on time for me. Not only has my business grown, but the technical and moral support that I enjoyed from having Mick there was just awesome. He always made me feel like he was glad to hear from me and I appreciated that in a mentor. He always was prompt in calling back and answering my emails. He really backed up everything he preached. There are numerous times that I experienced positive feelings in my dealings with Mick. I called him and told him I would not be able to make the 2008 DAOA conference because of the Demo Project expense but when he found out I would take the test in Austin, he told me to call him and we would go and eat out after the test. He always had that knack of making me feel like he enjoyed my company. Yes, he was special, not just because of the disabilities he overcame but to me he is special because he loved all of his folks, his advocates.

Posted by Brandon Davis from Austin, TX

I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for having met Mick and for all of the things he has done for me. I have yet to meet any individual who can come close to the level of dedication, determination and open-heartedness that Mick had. He stood up to any challenge that stood in front of him, no matter how big or small, and persevered to the end. But unlike anyone who is determined, Mick had alluring quality: he valued every aspect of life, down to the second and the smallest detail. He appreciated every second he was given, every opportunity that he faced, every person he got to meet and especially every person he helped or life he touched. He wasn't consumed in meaningless activities such as making tons of money, but instead in helping everyone he possibly could in any way, no matter how big or small, and living life to its fullest. He was a true friend, a true business partner and felt as though he was part of my family. He stood by, ready to catch you when you fell, or push you in the right direction when you needed it, but never expected anything back in return. He helped me get my business off the ground, helped me pursue a better education and made me a better individual. I can never truly express how lucky I was to meet and work aside such an amazing man, but can assure you that I will never forget Mick and the wonderful things he did to help me and the others I know. He will always live on inside my heart and soul as an icon of a true person, one whom we should all strive to be like, and as a person who changed my life forever.

Posted by Debra Jackson from Austin, TX

I met Mick almost two years ago over the phone and immediately knew this man was extremely special. He had the most wonderful sense of humor and made me laugh everyday. He had the ability to always put a smile on my face. His dedication to his work and to his wonderful wife, Becky is inspiring. The number of lives this man has touched is remarkable. He put others before himself and always made you feel special. He had a genuine love for life and people. He was always available to help, anytime, any day. Having Mick in my life has enriched me and made me look at things differently and in a positive manner. Mr. Mick Mickler, you will always live in my heart, and will always be with me. God brought you into my life, and therefore you will always be with me. You're one of a kind Mick, and I love you.

Posted by mary cantley from Indiana

Mick sweet talked me into becoming a disability advocate. It was easy because he made me laugh and offered a deal that only cost one dollar. How could a girl resist?!? Mick's presence filled any room with his boundless caring spirit. He seemed to wink and shrug as he deftly made lemonade from life's lemons, sweetened with his sugary drawl and quick wit. Mick loved the SSA code of federal regulations more than Uncle Sam ever could. But he also enjoyed talking about current events, weird Austin, Animal Planet, politics, Texas politics, and anything else you found interesting. And Becky - his love and wife. He always enjoyed sharing about their life together. Thank you Mick. You challenged me to explore regions I'd never found on my own. I miss you a lot. But wherever you are I’m sure you’re the life of the party. So…save me a seat! ;)

Posted by Glen Frese from Wenatchee, Washington

Mick and I had various conversations on the telephone. We experimented with video over the Internet, and we talked about many topics. Most of all, Mick was fun. We talked about serious things, and we played like little kids. He seemed to be able to step into your world and to care about what was important to you. He also shared himself. He was special to almost anybody who know him. He seemed to enable everyone around him to grow to their potential. I hope I continue to grow from the seeds that he planted in me. In that way, Mick will always be a part of everybody who ever knew him.

Posted by Sandra (Sandy) Mathias from Paso Robles, CA

Mick became one of my heroes in a such a short time. The way he lived and functioned with his disability was an inspiration. His courage was amazing. I started this January and we had a few conversations "offline" between study sessions. I will always remember his sense of humor and laugh. One special thing about him was that he didn't sugarcoat anything. He told us we had to chase the money, the cases were most often denied in the first stages, we sometimes lose, but the tears of gratitude and hug at the end make it all worthwhile. I've just started with cases and have the good fortune to have my mentor, Steve Young, to work with. A part of Mick's legacy will live on through my work in my remembrance of him. And I will smile.

Posted by Pam Brandon from Springfield, IL

Mick was an incredible person and an inspiration to me personally and professionally. I only wish I had met him sooner, what a terrific man! Gonna miss him! I hope I can keep his business dreams and goals fulfilled by what I have learned from him.

Posted by Steve Young from Paso Robles, CA

If you ever need an example of the phrase "Glass Half Full" Mick was it. I don't think I have ever encountered an individual with such a positive and caring attitude. He gave me an opportunity at a time when opportunities were few and far between for me. I can never adequately express the gratitude I feel for all of the help he gave me. How many thousands of disabled persons have had their lives bettered as a result of Mick's Dream? He was the right person at the right time. Joe said it right: Mick was The Man. In fact, as long as his Dream lives on he still is The Man. What an honor to have known such a wonderful human being.

Posted by Michele Frost from Oregon

Out of the blue one summer afternoon I answered the phone (which I don't do very often) and this voice said "I got your name from the directory and how would you like to work with us helping other people." Yeah right! Another crank call, I almost hung up on him . . but the voice sounded different . . special, so I listened. An hour later it felt like I had been talking to an old friend. He was so patient and could make me feel at ease even if I had a dumb question that he had already answered a couple of times. He was so funny and could be so encouraging even when the situation was frustrating and difficult. Mick definitely had a way with people of all walks of life. He was knowledgeable on so many subjects and it was just fun to talk with him. I can still hear his husky, wheezy chuckle and always will.

Posted by Robert Edwards from DAOA

I am convinced Mick Mickler came into this world an optimist. For someone who was told he probably wouldn’t make it out of his teens alive, that congenital optimism must have been annealed by the years that followed. And for someone who spent most of his life in a chair able to move only his head and one finger, this optimist harbored no bitterness. Instead Mick was curious and always looking for the light. He knew no strangers. When he was younger, a bystander on Congress Avenue in South Austin might turn around with Mick sitting in that chair, well past sunset, a cigarette hanging from his lips asking the poor, unsuspecting stranger for a light. “How could they turn me down?” - Mick would tell me decades later, punctuating the comment with his cahg cahg cahg laugh that was as infectious as it was joyous. Indeed. It was hard to turn down Mick. He leapt into the universe, traveled at warp speed, searching for quality in individuals and bargains in purchases. He never confused the two. He would talk about the obstacles an advocate overcame as enthusiastically as he would the impairments facing claimants for disability. Both were folks he wanted to help. When I talked to him the first part of the conversation was always a cheerful how are you today. And he meant it. I felt dwarfed in his presence. He had more patience, a keener since of humor and heaven knows, if he felt self pity I never saw it. With his love for Becky, her compassion and brains, he found a soul mate who literally led him to the universe doorstep and Mick slipped in the key. For the few years I knew him, I learned more about living each day, how to take myself a lot less seriously and have fun. He taught me that in business you can do people right and still make a good living. The last time I saw Mick was hard, but as usual, harder for me than him. Mind you, I was standing next to someone with tubes and monitors everywhere, who had to be exhausting pain. Still, as usual, he was the strong one. Mick laughed with his eyes and we communicated as we always had, honestly, with a sense of humor. He looked to me like someone almost joyous, on the edge of a new doorstep. He was such a guiding light. I look at what he gave me in the last few years and those gifts are not the kind words can capture or time envelope. I miss him and I will keep that boundless spirit alive. How many lives did he change? Impossible to say. But I do know somewhere there is a deal in the sky tonight, punctuated by the balance, laughter and the knowledge, that in the end nothing and nobody can turn down such a spirit. So long pal.

Posted by Theresa Block from New York

I will never forget when I Mick called me the first time back in 2001. He called me out of the blue to ask me if I would join a start up company he was founding. He found me through a web site I was listed on. At first I did not know what to think. My husband said don't send him any money and don't sign anything. Mick did alot of talking.I think I was on the phne for 1/2 to 1 hour. To make a long story short, He was not a scammer as my husband orignally thought and through this business I have sucessfuly helped those in need. Mick had a true spirit and was always there when I had a need. We need to focus on building this business bigger and stronger as he wished. We all need to focus not on the years with out MIck but on the wonderful memoreis he has left behind for us to enjoy. I will greatly miss him.

Posted by George Poleman, III from Shreveport

I'm so thankful that God allowed my path to cross with Mick's. He never ceased to amaze me with how much he accomplished and the new things he was always coming up with. I will miss my friend, but he will forever be in my thoughts.

Posted by Mary Harder from AZ

Sorry to be so slow. Sometimes I have a little trouble getting techno stuff done. This one is especially hard. Approximately six and a half years ago I had just stopped being a long-term care MDS Coordinator and was planning to retire. Just spend a little time on my LNC cases I was interested in. The phone rang and a voice on the other end said he got my name from a list of Legal Nurse Consultants. He wanted to know if I would be interested in doing some work as an advocate for social security applicant's? I believe my response was something like "Do you realize I have no idea what your talking about?" He said ,with confidence as always, He could teach me anything I needed to know. Little did he know what a task he was taking on. Little did I know that I had just met one of the best friends in a long life time of wonderful friends. I had known him less than a year when I was fortunate enough to meet him in person. It was one of the things we both liked,to be able to put a face to the voice on the phone. We met over dinner in San Antonio and had a great evening. Mick was always there to smooth out the bumps and unsung the snags. I miss him so and always will.

Posted by Karen Wempen from MO/IL

One Sunday afternoon the phone rang, and on the other line was Mick. He told me that my name,had crossed his e-mail several times that week, and he was calling me to ask me if I was interested in becoming an advocate for him in the state of Missouri. I am sure Pam Brandon is the one that had produced the e-mails. I told him that I was interested and we talked a few minutes at which point I told him that I thought before we went any further he should know that I have a disability. I heard the laugh which became so familiar through the remaining 22 months. At that point, he told me that he also had a disability. Before we were finished talking, he was sending me a contract. I wish that I had had more time to spend with him but I'm very grateful for the time we had. The journey we had together has been one of the highlights of my long career in rehabilitation. I truly miss him and hope that we can all work to keep his dream alive.

Posted by Nathan & Juanita Schreiber from Farmington, Iowa

We only had the wonderful pleasure to meet Mick and his lovely wife Becky in person one time. We talked to them several times on the phone before and after. He was such a remarkable man. Everything he had gone through and went through every day to his was a joy. He truly loved life and every moment of it. He loves to help people which he did unselfishly day in and day out. Mick was a man who truly cared about everyone. Every time we talked to him he was upbeat, happy and positive about all aspects of life. Mick is on truly awesome man that we will never forget. Mick, we can't wait to see you in heaven again and sit down for another wonderful conversation with you. Rest in peace.

Posted by Franc Kobziak from Naples, Florida

It was so sad to see today that Mick has passed away, I met him online after being denied my first disability claim only to be reversed four months later by Mick and awarded disability benefits. All though I personally didn't get to meet him you could tell he was a genuine warm sincere and caring person. My special prayers go out to his family and friends -- he truly was a special friend to me.