Michael (Mike) Mullen Clippard, was born on October 20, 1946 at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and departed this life on December 8, 2020 at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri, from complications of Covid-19.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gail Clippard; by two sons Dr. Michael Clippard (Cathy) and Brandon Clippard; by two grandchildren, Anna Clippard and William Clippard; by his brother James Clippard (Faye); and by special friends Brian, Mandy, Emma, and Addie Crow. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wallis and Hazel Clippard; and by his brother, Joseph Clippard.
Mike graduated from Ouachita University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Music Education and furthered his music education at Arkansas State University by obtaining a Masters of Music Education degree. He started his teaching career in Clarendon, Arkansas where he led the high school band program for three years. He then moved to Dexter, Missouri to teach high school music at his Alma Mater. He was initially assistant band director under life-long music mentor and friend Mr. Howard Jones. “Mr. C”, as he was commonly referred to by his students, retired after 31 years of teaching music education and leading the high school band program at Dexter High School.
Mike enjoyed many different hobbies including camping, hunting, fishing, and water skiing. During his retirement years, he became a skilled woodcarver, enjoying Native American folklore and was a proud member of the Crowley Ridge Black Powder Club. Mike and Gail enjoyed many trips to Branson, Missouri. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Anna and William. Mike never met a stranger and was a friend to everyone. He was a longstanding member of First Baptist Church in Dexter, Missouri, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and Deacon.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Dexter on Friday, December 11, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Don Kennedy officiating. Graveside services and Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery with Rev. Mark Smith officiating.
The Clippard family respectfully requests that everyone practice social distancing and wear a mask during the visitation and funeral services.
Memorials may be made to the Dexter Public School Foundation, c/o Mike Clippard/Dexter High School Band Program, 1031 Brown Pilot Lane, Dexter Missouri 63841.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements.
