Michael Dean Napier

In the grand theater of life, Mike Dean Napier took his final bow on December 7, 2023, at his home in rural Mansfield, Missouri. Born on February 24, 1963, in Marshfield, Missouri, he spent 60 years orchestrating pranks, spreading laughter, and cultivating a garden of love.

Mike was the son of Billy Dean Napier and Shirley Ann (Easley) Napier, a tribute to the roots from which his mischievous spirit sprouted. Married Carol Lee, Mike was the proud father of two daughters, Michelle and Melissa. His family expanded to include four mischievous accomplices—grandchildren Emily, Sidney, Ty and his wife Jordan, and Brody—who embraced the legacy of shenanigans.

Mike was surrounded by a symphony of love, including his companion, Connie. His siblings, Tom and Sheila, Tony and Tammy, and Shelley and Darren, formed a close-knit ensemble of support. Nieces and nephews—Neithan, Kyle, Nick, William, and Rusty—were part of the extended family orchestra.

And then, there was Ethen—more than just a nephew, he was a special note in Mike's life, akin to a son. Ethen and his wife, Chrissy, shared a unique bond with Mike, weaving their own tales of laughter and camaraderie into the family tapestry.

Preceding Mike in death were his parents, Billy Dean Napier and Shirley Ann Napier, and his niece, Casey Marie Napier.

From logging with the Lee boys to a stint at Tyler Pipe Company, Mike's work ethic was as robust as his sense of humor. Whether hauling trash, selling tomatoes, or sharing a hearty laugh with customers, he approached life with a dedication to hard work and a commitment to lightening the load with a joke or two.

Uncle Mike, the virtuoso of pranks, not only made strangers into friends but also turned family gatherings into festivals of laughter. A hunter with a knack for record-setting bucks and a fisherman with a friendly rivalry, he lived life with gusto, ensuring everyone had a good tale to tell.

As a true 'girl dad,' Mike's heart overflowed with love for Michelle and Melissa. His passing leaves a void, but the memories of shared laughter, loving hairbrush roughness, and the bond of a father who was also a best friend will echo in the hearts of his daughters.

In the twilight of life, surrounded by family, Mike took his final bow. His legacy lives on, not just in the stories told, but in the spirit of every prank, every shared smile, and the enduring warmth of a life well-lived. Farewell, Maestro.