April 3, 1966 – October 1, 2023
Michael Brian Trent, 57, passed away suddenly at his home in Houston on October 1, 2023 from complications related to his epilepsy. He struggled with it since he was 12, and it had taken an increasing toll on him over the last few years. Michael underwent two surgeries, hoping for some relief from the seizures. Before each, he said he hoped it would help, but, either way, he hoped what his doctors learned would help someone else.
Michael grew up in Greensboro, N.C., Surfside Beach, S.C. and Dickinson, TX. He graduated from Dickinson H.S. in 1984. After high school, Michael went to Sam Houston State University, graduating in 1988 with a BFA in Graphic Design. Following graduation, Michael worked in lighting design and sales, living and working in Houston, Dallas and Los Angeles. Michael’s design work included projects for architects, designers, private galleries, private residences and commercial properties. Michael worked with Bernard Woolf on the redesign of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, TX. Other work included designs in Santa Monica, San Fernando Valley, Long Beach, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, CA. Michael's design work in Houston included The Four Seasons Condos, a Galveston penthouse, and residences, restaurants, retail stores and galleries. His work included homes and businesses up to 25,000 square feet. Michael did the lighting design for the first LEEDS Platinum Certified home in Houston.
Michael loved and lived for art. He had an exceptional eye for the beauty of architecture, especially as it reflected nature. Michael's collection of artwork took most of the wall space in his apartment and showed the love he had for art in its myriad forms. His friends posts on Facebook have talked of how he inspired them, of his presence and unique personality. Nyles Flagg said "Not only a great dude, but he inspired me with his architectural style, design and lighting designs, he truly loved the art-form of light and refraction and it emanated his presence… he is already missed greatly."
Michael is survived by his mother, Peggy Trent, his brother, Bruce Trent, sister-in-law Mimi Trent, nephew Bryan Trent and niece Mabry Trent. Other relatives include sisters-in-law Richelle Millican and Cathy Melancon.
Michael's remains will be inurned at the columbarium at Presbyterian Kirk in the Pines Church in Hot Springs Village, AR. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made, as Michael did for his birthday for several years, to the Epilepsy Foundation. https://give.epilepsy.com/page/33651/donate/1
5 thoughts on “Michael Brian Trent”
Bruce,Mimi and family, I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing.. please know that all of y'all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending my deepest condolences to all of y'all.
Mike T – your really are missed by so many. Please keep shining your light and warming the hearts of your family and friends. Love Always
You are* sorry Mimi 😉 I know Mike T would be laughing at me.
Michael – I so enjoyed getting to know you over the past decade through your Facebook posts. It was a joy to be able to see the world through your eyes a little bit as you shared photos that reflected what you saw as you navigated the world. I admired your art and deep inside me, I hoped that one day, either when we renovated this home or built a new one, might be able to reach out and commission your expertise and bringing light and fresh ideas to a new space. The world is dimmer without you in it.
Trent family – I am so sorry for your loss, please accept sympathy from the entire Lanier family. Michael was such a gentle, well-loved person – I hope that God gives you comfort as you grieve his loss.
Micheal Trent was my neighbor for 4 years living here in Houston TX. He was a wonderful, kind person whom I had the pleasure knowing. I am glad for the times when he was sick that I was home to help him get through the suffering from the seizures and was able to call the ambulance several times! We miss you Mike and I just know you are shining a bright light In Paradise!🙏🏾