Sipes, Michael M. 1948-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.
Michael M. Sipes, age 76, passed peacefully early Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at his temporary home, Benedictine Living Community. Michael spent much of his life in St. Joseph. Michael was born Oct. 10, 1948, to Marcus Mason Sipes (d-1982) and Helen Virginia Harrison-Sipes (d-2001) who have preceded him in death. Michael was raised in Monett, Missouri, with his three brothers, Lance, Marcus (Steven), and Kevin.
Michael was preceded in death by Marcus (d-2010) and Kevin (d-2018); and long term significant other, Carmen Ostroski (d2013); and ex-wife, Betty J. Sipes (2013).
After graduating from Catholic High school in Monett, Michael joined the army and served two tours in Vietnam earning multiple honors and a purple heart. Michael was a proud Veteran.
Upon return from the military Michael worked construction and formed S&S Construction, which he owned and operated for many years. After leaving the construction business he stayed active in the field by working at the project planning desk and in the Lumber yard at Payless Cashways Building Materials, in Elwood, Kansas, and later Walmart. Michael enjoyed building and creating with wood. He made many items with his own two hands that provided help to others.
Michael loved women and children. He had three long term significant relationships in which seven children were born. As his brother Lance stated, “Michael liked the ladies, and the ladies liked Michael.” He was a free spirit, a passionate learner, he loved to roam and explore. He was happiest outside around nature. In his younger years you could often find him napping in his old military hammock. He loved to garden and teach others about the plants he loved. As a lifelong baseball enthusiast; he spent many hours with his brothers, children, and grandchildren playing and connecting with them over their shared love of the game. He was an avid reader, lover of languages and words, he often studied a dictionary. In his later years, Michael enjoyed going to the casino and spending time with his daughter(s) over a game of slots. Michael enjoyed music and passed his love of music to all his children.
Michael loved his family unconditionally and dedicated his life to teaching his family about life. He was Dad. He was a man of many strengths, infinite wisdom, with an onery streak who loved to tease and flirt and will be missed enormously.
Michael is survived by one brother, Lance Sipes, McDonough Georgia; five daughters and two sons, Misty Reynolds, Michelle (Richard) Cordonnier, Lalena (David) Simpson, Francesca Lamorie, Meagan Sipes, Michael Sipes, and Antonio Sipes; 12 grandchildren: Tia, Timothy, Caitlin, Jordan, Nathaniel, Kendra, Zachary, Heaven, Gregory, Aislynn, Liam, and Brantley; nine great-grandchildren; one aunt, Sandra Sipes; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and ex significant other, Sandra Stapleton of Atchison Kansas.
Private Family Celebration of Life and butterfly release was held Friday, June 6, 2025 at Wyeth Hill, St. Joseph. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial Visitation at Heaton-Bowman- Smith -Sidenfaden Chapel on Saturday, June 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be another butterfly release at that time.
Family suggests donations to Catholic Charities, St. Joseph, in lieu of flowers. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
