Michael Dean Napier, son of Billy Dean Napier and Shirley Ann (Easley) Napier, was born February 24, 1963, in Marshfield, Missouri, and departed this life December 7, 2023, at his home in rural Mansfield, Missouri, at the age of 60 years, 9 months, and 23 days.
He was united in marriage to Carol Lee on February 28, 1980, and to this union two daughters were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and niece, Casey Marie Napier.
Mike is survived by his daughters, Michelle Cantrell and husband, Jasper, of Seymour, Missouri, and Melissa Sampson and Dalton Fishel, of Marshfield, Missouri; companion, Connie; special nephew, Ethan and wife, Chrissy, four grandchildren, Emily Cantrell, Sidney Cantrell, Ty Sampson, and Brody Sampson; two brothers, Tom Napier and wife, Sheila, and Tony Napier and wife, Tammy, one sister, Shelley Freeman and husband, Darren; nieces and nephews, Neithan, Kyle, Nick, William, and Rusty; several great-nieces and great-nephews; other relatives and many friends.
He was born in Marshfield, but lived his entire life in rural Mansfield where he attended Mansfield schools. Mike was a hard worker, he logged briefly with the Lee boys, milked on the family farm, had a trash hauling service and worked for Tyler Pipe Company for 28 years. Recently, he started selling tomatoes and flowers. He enjoyed interacting with his customers, and he took pride in offering the best customer service that he could.
Mike never met a stranger, and you didn’t walk away from a conversation with him without having a good laugh. Mike was always a prankster and kept the mood light. Though serious when he needed to be, he was always up for a good shenanigan. Uncle Mike was not only the prankster, but he was guilty of passing along his shenanigans to his nephews and great-nephews.
He enjoyed hunting and once shot a record-setting buck. He liked to fish with family and friends, only if your fish wasn’t bigger than his. He was a true ‘girl dad’, sweet and kind-hearted (a little rough with the hairbrush), but he was the best dad there was. Mike was his daughter’s best friend, and he always shared everything with them.
Mike passed away peacefully with his family by his side, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
