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