Michael Rabbitt
Michael F. Rabbitt, age 70, of South St. Louis, Missouri passed away in his home Sunday, January 18th, 2026. Michael was born March 16, 1955 to the late Peter and Maxine Rabbitt.
He is survived by his loving wife Brenda Rabbitt; son Austin Rabbitt; and daughters Colleen Rabbitt Smith and Emily Berryman. He is survived by grandchildren Ocarina Smith, Violet Smith, Leonora Smith, Weston Rabbitt, Eliott Berryman, and Chloe Berryman. He was a loved and cherished brother to Mary (Rabbitt) Smith, Monica (Rabbitt) Zeller, Moureen (Rabbitt) Orbe, Margaret (Rabbitt) Waltman, Kathern Rabbitt, Joseph Rabbitt, Patrick Rabbitt, Peter Rabbitt, Timothy Rabbitt and the late John Rabbitt and Mathew Rabbitt.
Michael grew award winning organic tomatoes. He was a hunter, fisherman, gardener, poet and storyteller. He loved his family with all his heart and brought joy to all who knew him.
When I was a little girl, my dad would go out night fishing. He would bring back many fish and even snakes sometimes. I would ask him, “Are you scared of the dark and the wild animals?”
He replied, “Colleen, I am the biggest, wildest bear, in these woods.”
He was my protector, my guide, my teacher.
I remember spending time at my grandmother’s house. They were having a family dinner and my grandmother noticed I wasn’t eating my BBQ. She asked why I wasn’t eating.
I replied, “I only eat my Dad’s BBQ.” The whole family laughed and agreed his BBQ was the best. It was the hickory smoke and secret sauces!
My husband now calls me “The Grill Master’s Daughter”
He taught me the secrets to marinating, basting, coal and flame management. After his stroke, he passionately guided me in cooking many meals. He put his soul into everything he made. He took every effort into creating a master piece of a meal.
He also did the same in his garden. He was inspired by his grandmother and mother. He spent much time helping his mother in her garden and sipping lemon-aid while learning family secrets of gardening and more. Dad made super soil for his prize winning tomatoes. He spent many hours tending to his garden. He canned hot sauces, stew tomatoes, pickles and much more. Dad enjoyed sharing his garden harvest with family, friends and even strangers. He described in detail the trouble he went to to get a tomato to taste so good. “There’s two things that money can’t buy and that’s true love and homegrown tomatoes” he sang as he made another BLT.
I followed him into the woods with confidence and wonder as he taught my brother and I how to look for sign, identify trees, and how to navigate. He found God in The Ozark Hills and in the creeks that rambled through. He taught us how to cast into the shadows of a tree and make the small mouth bass hit on top. He knew joy and taught us how to love.
Our family would take weekend trips down to the Old Schoolhouse in our old van. We would listen to Patsy Cline, String Bean, and BB King all the way down the winding roads. We could leave our school and work stress behind and just enjoy being a family. We would scream, hoot and holler as load as possible when we arrived. Dad would often go night fishing and bring back a big catch. He wore lures in his hat and laughed like a wilder Santa Claus. We were taught to live big and fear not. You are with us Dad! We Love you!
-Colleen
Colleen, those are such gorgeous words you wrote about your dad. What a beautiful tribute. I know how much you loved him and always will. He was so very proud of you and Emily and Austin!
You will carry on his legacy in every breath you take, in every creative endeavor, in every tomato you grow, and every star you gaze upon.
Mike was a force of nature. He lit up every room he walked into. He embraced everyone as family! He was such a remarkable man, married a remarkable woman and together they raised remarkable children.
His laugh echoed strongly in the hearts of all those he touched! He inspired me to garden and farm!
I remember him sharing his secrets of growing the perfect tomato around a fire at the schoolhouse one Autumn evening! I still use his methods. He grew the best tomatoes in the world.
I will miss him dearly.
I will honor him greatly because he raised my best friend in the world.
Colleen, your dad was one of the most amazing humans I ever had the pleasure of knowing.
He will be missed and cherished.
Sending love to you and your entire family.
The cherished memories that Mike and Brenda introduced us to was camping at the Alexander’s. Packing, tents, food boxes, coolers, meals, swimming in creek, outhouse, camp fires, rodeo, etc. All those nights sitting around the camp fire, singing and telling stories. We always looked forward to the Steelville weekend. My regret is that my grandchildren did not have the opportunity to experience that. We rent cabins now, (to accommodate the grandparents!). And sharing the schoolhouse/creek with us.
I loved having Mike as a brother-in-law. Helping me with gardening tips, especially the tomatoes. Deer stories we shared. His burly laugh. Loving all the nieces and nephews with his suspender snapping and story telling. He will be missed.
Love to Brenda, Colleen, Jamie, Austin, Jess, Emily, Tim, and grandkids.
Brenda,
We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our hearts break for you and your beautiful family.
Love,
Becky, Patty & Judy
Brenda, I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I’m so sorry the sadness you and the kids have to endure at this time. If there is anything you need or want please give me a call.
Love Angie
💐😪