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Michael “Mike” Van Flippo, age 58 of Monticello, departed this life Saturday, May 20, 2023, after a battle with diabetes complications. Mike was born April 19, 1964, in Clinton, OK to his mom, the late Margaret Highfill and father, Colin Flippo.
He graduated from Monticello, AR High School in 1984. Shortly after high school, Mike joined the military where he served in the Marines. He then attended Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, MO, where he received his CNA and CMT certification. He moved to Springfield, MO around 1992. He had two daughters, Michaela (1996) and Gracelyn (2005). In 2021, Mike was reunited with a high school sweetheart, Cynthia Wheeler, where he was able to experience a new joy for life.
Mike loved to hunt and fish and was known for his mischievous adventures. Mike could be a friend to anyone and loved people in general. On December 31, 2005, Mike gave his life to the Lord. He was involved and helped lead a homeless ministry while attending Cornerstone Church located in Springfield. This came easy for him, because he never met a stranger. Mike was always ready with a quick comeback and loved to see others smile and laugh. He will be loved and missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his fiancé, Cindy Wheeler of Monticello; his daughter, Gracie Chatham and long-time friend, Susie Chatham Sowards; as well as a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, mentioned above, and his broker, John Yingling.
Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 22, 2023, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Monticello. You can sign Mike’s guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
He graduated from Monticello, AR High School in 1984. Shortly after high school, Mike joined the military where he served in the Marines. He then attended Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, MO, where he received his CNA and CMT certification. He moved to Springfield, MO around 1992. He had two daughters, Michaela (1996) and Gracelyn (2005). In 2021, Mike was reunited with a high school sweetheart, Cynthia Wheeler, where he was able to experience a new joy for life.
Mike loved to hunt and fish and was known for his mischievous adventures. Mike could be a friend to anyone and loved people in general. On December 31, 2005, Mike gave his life to the Lord. He was involved and helped lead a homeless ministry while attending Cornerstone Church located in Springfield. This came easy for him, because he never met a stranger. Mike was always ready with a quick comeback and loved to see others smile and laugh. He will be loved and missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his fiancé, Cindy Wheeler of Monticello; his daughter, Gracie Chatham and long-time friend, Susie Chatham Sowards; as well as a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, mentioned above, and his broker, John Yingling.
Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 22, 2023, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Monticello. You can sign Mike’s guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.