Troy E. Teagardin Obituary
Troy E. Teagardin, 56, passed peacefully into paradise to be with his Creator, on May 20, 2026. He was born July 13, 1969 in Phoenix, Arizona to his loving mother and father, Carla and Frank Teagardin.
Troy touched the lives of countless individuals with his generous spirit, empathetic nature, and vibrant personality. His generosity knew no bounds.
Troy’s 20 year career as a Physician Assistant in cardiothoracic surgery and later in urgent care allowed him to embody his love of caring for others and inspire many with his unyielding enthusiasm. Known for his sense of humor, patience and kindness, he always created an engaging and nurturing environment that left a lasting impact on his patients and colleagues alike.
Troy had an innate ability to bring joy to any room he entered. He truly was the life of the party.
From skydiving to years of monoskiing and his love of ATVs, his adventurous spirit was equally evident in his love for boating. Being on the water with family and friends is where he found absolute freedom and happiness.
Troy was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer in November of 2021. He fought and persevered with unworldly courage for 4 1/2 years. He spent those years greeting each day with positivity and a zest for life that was palpable.
Troy leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife and forever love, Michelle and their beautiful son, Evan. They were the center of his world, his whole heart.
He is also survived by his adoring mother, Carla Cook; and brother, Chris Teagardin; step sisters, Julie White and Jenee Morrow; and several nieces and nephews. Lastly, his special band of “brothers” to include his cousins, Todd and Scott King, brother-in-law, Wes Clark and his childhood friends, Shane Dickerson and Dale Weinhold. He is proceeded in death by his father, Frank Teagardin and step-father, James Cook.
Troy will be laid to rest on Wednesday May 27, 2026 in an intimate and private graveside service.
A public Celebration of Troy’s life will be held on Sunday, June 14th from 1-4pm at The Inn at Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor, MI in the Harborview Ballroom.
We will honor Troy by continuing to live fully in every moment, giving to others from a place of love, showing kindness and never taking this incredible life for granted.
“Yes, you will grieve forever.
Not as a life sentence, but as a love letter you keep writing.
You'll carry them in the songs that break you and the memories that heal you. In the nights when their absence feels impossible, and the days when you feel them everywhere.
And somewhere in the middle of surviving, you'll realize you're living again. Not the life you planned. Not the life you
wanted. But a life that proves love doesn't die when a person does. It just finds new places to bloom.” - Jameson Arasi
Arrangements entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI, 269-556-9450.
