Michael was born on November 9, 1968 in Pampa, Texas to Melvin Foche Hartzell and Donna Marie McDaniel.  He attended Pampa High School.  He married Janie Smith on June 26, 2008 in Pampa.  He worked for many years as a machinist and he proudly served in the U.S. Army.

Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Donna Smith; his wife, Janie Hartzell; two step sons, Deterrance Smith and Byron Smith; two brothers, Charles Jones and Shawn Jones; one step brother, C.W. and one sister, Andrea Clarkweb.