Stephen Michael Bruton was born July 31, 1949 in Jos, Nigeria into a missionary family. He spent his younger years roaming and adventuring the African plains with his father, Paul, getting into mischief with his big sister, Sally, and giving his mother, Helen, a run for her money because, “I ain’t got no somethin’ to do.” His big brother, Paul Jr., decided he liked the name “Mike” more than “Stephen,” so Mike Bruton was the name he carried through the rest of his life.

Mike attended the boarding school, Rift Valley Academy, in Kenya with his sister for many years and made many friendships that have endured for decades. He learned the power of prayer there in both soothing his homesickness and embracing the fierce independence that would forever mark his life.

Another big adventure awaited Mike as a pre-teen, when the family returned to the United States -- a country he had scarcely visited. They settled in the San Jose, CA area. Mike’s life was changed forever when he met Kathy Jo Achor at Lynbrook High in Cupertino. The football player and pom pom girl were both smitten and enjoyed double dates with Katie’s sister, Janet and her then boyfriend, Jay. Voted “Mr. Irresistible,” his yearbook inscriptions describe his outgoing and warm personality.

Drafted into the Vietnam War in 1970, Mike was stationed in Fairbanks, AL. He married his high school sweetheart in 1971 and took her back with him to Alaska. It was here in the church they attended where Katie volunteered Mike to lead the song service on a particular Sunday night -- something he was initially reluctant to do, but did so well that he continued to lead during their time there.

Honorably discharged from the Army in 1972, they volunteered to be youth pastors in Richmond, CA while he received his associates degree. It was there they welcomed a daughter, Heather. Desiring more formal ministerial education, they made their home in Scotts Valley, CA so Mike could attend Bethany Bible College and receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. The young family then moved to Pasadena so Mike could attend Fuller Theological Seminary.

After graduating with a Masters in Theology, they took their first senior pastorate at a small rural church, Valley Gospel Chapel in Anza, CA, They welcomed daughter, Mindy, soon after and spent four happy years in ministry there.

In 1982, Mike and Katie were appointed as senior pastors to First Assembly of God church in El Centro, CA. The family spent ten years making wonderful memories with the people there until they took a senior pastorate in Fresno at Northeast Assembly church where they served for 24 years. This was the place where both of their daughters married their husbands, and where their seven grandchildren were born and dedicated to the Lord. In addition, after Katie’s sister, Sue, passed away, they welcomed their niece, Sherilyn, into their home and loved her like one of their daughters.

During these years of ministry, Mike led many missions trips, a capital campaign to remodel the church building, served as a regional presbyter, and was a board member for Fresno Christian Schools, Vanguard University, and other local churches.

In 2008, Mike took Katie, Heather and Mindy on a dream trip to Kenya and Tanzania joining several other family members to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the church his parents established in Arusha. They were able to see and experience the countries that Mike loved so much and the work that his family started and has continued.

At Northeast Assembly, Pastor Mike mentored many spiritual sons and daughters over the years and served faithfully until his retirement due to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s in 2015.

Retirement didn’t keep Mike from doing what he loved best. He and Katie served as interim pastors at Bethel Christian Center. Pastor Mike continued to mentor young leaders over breakfast and coffee, traveled around the U.S. with family and friends, and enjoyed some well-deserved rounds of golf. He attended and served as board member at Action Community Church -- a church he helped plant. He and Katie also led the senior adult ministry there for several years.

Those who knew him speak about his true shepherd’s heart for people and how much they felt loved by him -- even and especially in disagreement. Mike was known for his quickness to apologize, his infectious and slightly impish smile, playful personality, his love of laughter, his passion for missions, and of course, his deep love for Jesus.

His pride and joy was his family and he made sure each knew how much they were loved. In his final days as the family gathered to sing with him and share in that deep well of love, he made sure to tell each one that they were “the love of his life.”

He took his final breath and entered into his well-deserved rest at 9:17 PM on Friday, July 24th surrounded by the enduring love of his family.

He is preceded in death by many loved ones: his parents, Joseph Paul and Helen Grant Bruton; his big brother, Joseph Paul II and sister-in-love, Leta Bruton; his in-laws, Robert and Marty Achor, and his sister and brother-in- love, Stephen and Suzanne Overstreet, and brother-in-love, Jay French. He is survived by his forever sweetheart, Katie; his daughters, Heather and Mindy; his sons-in-love, Dave Roseno and Rylie Hilscher, his beloved big sister, Sally, and brother-in-love, Joel Vann; his sister-in-love, Janet French; grandchildren, Micarah and her husband Bailey; Jayna and her husband Tyler, Hayden, Kai, Judah, Declan and Camden; great-grandchildren, Karianne, Cody and Bowen; nieces Teri, Tami, Michelle and Sherilyn, and nephews, Paul, Leigh, Nathan and Chris.

As was inscribed on the cornerstone of the church they built in Arusha, Tanzania and also on the shared gravestone of his parents, Mike Bruton’s “works do follow” him. His legacy of love and faith carry on through those he knew and loved.

Services will be held on Friday, August 7th at 2 PM at Access Church located at 4386 N. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, CA 93726 with a reception to follow onsite. For those who are unable to attend in person, you can access the livestream at the following link.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mike Bruton Scholarship Fund established in his honor at Action Community Church. This scholarship is awarded to those who have never gone on a missions trip or who are preparing for ministry and keeps Pastor Mike’s love of missions and ministry work alive. https://actioncc.churchcenter.com/giving/to/pastor-mike-bruton-scholarship-fund

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Event Summary:Mike Bruton Memorial Start Date: Thursday, August 06, 2026 End Date: Saturday, August 08, 2026Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:Courtyard by Marriott Fresno Clovis for 189.00 USD per night - Last Day to Book : Thursday, July 30, 2026