Michael LaBrier, born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 28, 1956, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home February 22, 2024.
Michael LaBrier led a life full of love, positivity, stories, and community. He had two sons, Jack LaBrier and Michael LaBrier Jr. (deceased), and one adopted daughter Sabrina LaBrier. Michael was born among a big family with a total of 16 children from his parents. Born in St. Louis, he grew up in the Bevo Mill area and went to Roosevelt High School. After graduation from high school, he moved to Oklahoma to earn a Microbiology Degree at the University of Tulsa. He worked in laboratory settings, worked for the City of Tulsa, and then moved on to work with a reciprocity license. He helped various smaller cities set up their water purification plants. After working in Microbiology in Tulsa, he moved back to his hometown of St. Louis. He was drawn to the car business as his passion and a family tradition. Michael was involved in his love for all cars from an early age, participating in racing and attending various motor events. He was very knowledgeable about all areas involving cars including identification and appraisal. He dealt with highline imports, specialized in classics and collectibles, and was involved in importing/ exporting. He was in the car business most of his life, owning various car dealerships over the span of 35+ years. This included St. Louis Motor Cars, West County Auto Sales, and Meramac Motor Cars. Along with his passion for sales in cars, he appreciated history especially through sales of various antiques. Michael was a devoted father. He was a baseball and basketball coach on his sons’ teams. He was involved in the boy scouts and went on to be a scout leader for his sons’ Boy Scouts Troop. He was also a volunteer at Camp Ondessonk, where he, his son, and nephews attended. His friends and family will miss his endless positivity, stories, advice, and wisdom promoting community, faith, and love. Michael resided in St. Louis throughout the later parts of his life being a faithful father, brother, neighbor, and friend to anyone he could touch. He continued to be involved in his love for cars for the duration of his life. He emphasized an attitude of staying positive, moving forward, looking up, and to keep going. His energy towards helping others through his love and positivity could perhaps only be fully understood by ones that experienced it. His life will continue to be celebrated and his impact will resonate through ones who shared time with him. For Michael, we will continue to promote faith, togetherness, and love.
There will be a celebration of life for family and friends at Jefferson Barracks Sylvan Springs Park at The Calvary Pavilion on Saturday March 2nd immediately following the funeral services.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the family to help with funeral expenses:
SERVICES: Funeral at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd 63123) on Saturday, March 2nd at 10:00 AM. Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel on Friday from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Mike was such a good neighbor full of energy. He never new a stranger cared about every one he met. He will be missed.
I knew Mike for most of my life. He was always happy and never seen downside to anything. After the passing of my husband Mike would call often, to make sure I was doing ok or if I needed anything or help with anything. Many times we sat on the phone laughing about all the crazy stuff we used to do. Mike, also knowing my husband well had said, there was not another one like him, nor would there ever be. Well there also is not another one out there like Mike, he loved his family to no end and loved his friends. I happy that I was blessed to know Mike for as many years as I did.
A dear childhood friend. And a honorary member of the
“Skate Land Gang “. A book could be written of the daring times as kids, and as adults, that we spent together. Collectively, as adults some of us moved away and some stayed in St Louis, and the area. Yet, we all managed to keep in touch and get together for various occasions during our lives. Mike was instrumental in making that happen.
There truly aren’t enough words to describe the friendship that Mike offered me throughout our lifetime. As Mike would say to his closest friends, ” I love ya like a brother! ” Well brother, thank you for being part of my life and know you were loved and appreciated. You will be missed.
In traditional Yiddish, there is a word that best describes you Mike…Mentsh! And that you were.
Every childhood memory I have with uncle Mike was always filled with laughter, cars, fireworks, campfires. Love you
May he find the car(s) of his dreams in heaven. I can picture him driving a convertible, with the wings of an angel.
My sincere sympathy to this family. My prayers are with you Jack and Maria and all his loved ones.
With deep sympathy for Jack and Maria and the whole family for the loss of Michael.
You will continue to be in our prayers during this most difficult time.
Aunt Pam & Uncle John
Jack,
So sorry for the loss of your father. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs and love. May his soul rest in Heavenly Peace. Our deepest condolences.
Rosa, Dave, Ryan, Michelle, Mark, Josh and Jess
Jack and Maria,
So sorry for your loss You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs and love. May his soul rest in Heavenly Peace. Our deepest condolences.
Rosa, Dave, Ryan, Michelle, Mark, Josh and Jess
Michael is my friend & brother !!! i’m sure he is in Heaven taken care of his son Michael & my son Michael ! I will see my brother again ! I Love you Michael !! till we meet again