Mr. Monte Clithero

December 18, 1953 - January 16, 2022

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Monte Paul Clithero, 68, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on January 16, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri. Monte was born in Vandalia, Missouri on December 18, 1953 to Paul and Patsy Clithero. He graduated from Van-Far R1 high school in 1971 as valedictorian of his class. He attended Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri on a baseball scholarship and graduated cum laude in 1975. He earned a law degree in 1978 from the University of Missouri School of Law in Columbia. Monte settled in Springfield after completing law school and raised his two children there. He was an outstanding father who loved his family fiercely and adored his children more than anything in the world.

Monte was extremely proud of his 45-year career as a well-respected trial attorney. He treasured the mentorship he received throughout his career from distinguished partners and other close colleagues. Monte was particularly honored to be inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2006. He considered his membership as a Fellow of The College to be the greatest accomplishment of his career and shared his love of trial practice by serving as a consultant in mock trials for Missouri law students.

Monte was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Tigers fan. He particularly loved baseball and shared his passion for the game with his son. Monte coached his son’s baseball teams from tee-ball until high school legion ball, which brought him tremendous joy. He also continued his love for the sport by playing fast pitch softball into his 40s.

Monte also enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Bois D’Arc, Missouri, which he affectionately referred to as his “farm.” He loved going to the horse races in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and vacationing in Florida and Arizona. Monte especially loved deep sea fishing with his family and had many great stories from fishing adventures over the years.

Monte is preceded in death by his son, Ryan Clithero, and father, Paul Clithero. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and Craig Eck, and grandson, Emmett Eck, of St. Louis; his mother, Patsy Clithero, of Vandalia, Missouri; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Laurie Clithero, of St. Louis; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews; and many friends.

Monte’s family and friends will miss his dry wit, generous spirit, and frequent reminders of his love for them. Monte bravely defeated Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2019 and was grateful for the time he was able to spend with his family while receiving treatment in St. Louis.

In consideration of everyone’s safety, details regarding a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Monte’s name can be made to Siteman Cancer Center (BMT Fund) MSC 1247-414-2100, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105 or online at siteman.wustl.edu/tribute.

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Monte was the defense attorney in my first deposition ever, 30 years ago. I was deposing an eyewitness to a motor vehicle crash who I had met with in advance of the deposition, simply to prepare him for my questions in the event they did not make any sense to him. Direct went reasonably well, as the witness said exactly what I expected him to say; namely, that Monte’s client was on the wrong side of the road and therefore the cause of the crash. My memory of what happened next is as clear as the day it happened, because by the end of Monte’s cross examination, I became convinced I had singlehandedly destroyed my client’s case. Monte first took control of the room as he is known to do by merely introducing himself. Then, he proceeded to explain to the witness that his client is the man who Mr. Larson sued. I had never before heard it put that way (and the way Monte said it, it seemed a little offensive to me that I did that, too). The witness turned to me and snarled, as if I had somehow completely misrepresented myself to him. Then, like a precision surgical instrument, Monte dissected my entire direct exam with a few simple questions about my meeting with the witness beforehand. It didn’t matter what the answers were. In asking those questions, Monte implied that everything the witnesses had just testified to on direct exam was completely false because I had told the witness to say it! It was all over, and not just the deposition. I was ready to quit the practice of law and return to delivering pizzas. But, then the unexpected happened. After the witness and the reporter left the building, Monte paused to talk to me. He told me I did a good job with a difficult witness (as if the witness was the problem), and that with this deposition I solidly put his client on the wrong side of the road. My blood pressure started to ease. To my complete surprise, Monte assured me he would talk to the insurance company, and we would get the case settled. And true to his word, he called me the next day, and we got the case settled. We didn’t always agree, but Monte remained true to his word in every case we had together thereafter. Saying goodbye to someone like Monte is so incredibly hard. But, I’m glad we took the time to celebrate this amazing man. Exchanging our memories of Monte makes it hurt a little less. I will always find comfort in the example he gave us of how to practice law with a sense of humanity for each other.

I knew Monte through the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was the epitome of what a Fellow in the College is expected to be. He was generous beyond all expectations with both his time and his kindness. He was who we should all want to be.

We are very sorry to hear of Monte’s passing. We worked on opposite sides of a number of cases over the past 20 plus years and he was a fierce advocate for his clients. Our sincere sympathy and prayers go out to his friends, family and colleagues.

Monte was a kind soul, like his dad. I appreciate his fighting spirit and optimistic attitude.

More than anything else, he was my friend. He can't be replaced.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Monte was as fine of an attorney and person as you could ever meet. He was a person of integrity and honor. Monte did honor to the profession and he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.

Monte was a great lawyer but more than that he was a great person, who treated everyone with respect. One of the first civil jury trials I was involved in was opposite him and the way he handled himself throughout and during and after that trial and in all the interactions after I was involved with him showed me the way a true professional attorney acts and how he treats people. Prayers for his family and colleagues and friends.

Monte was a great lawyer - respected equally by both sides of the bar - supremely skilled and talented - and just a lovely man to be around. The second case I ever helped try (in 1998'ish, I think) was against Monte (and Turk) - they were both total pro's and both total characters to boot! Monte dinged me more times than I am comfortable still to this day remembering - but always did it with that wry smile - competitive to the core - but always with a real/great perspective and of course that smile - which was offered in equal measure, if he was kicking you or you were kicking him - he truly appreciated the art of being a lawyer. I knew we were in trouble when he gave his "don't check your common sense at the door" speech in closing and all 12 jurors were nodding along with him :). It was a pleasure and an honor to have been able to practice law while Monte was such an active member of the civil practice here in SWMO. He will be missed by many. One of my favorites of all time. Cheers, Monte!! RIP, friend.

Everyone liked Monte, which is not always the case in our profession. He was a gentleman and an exemplary lawyer. He was dedicated to the bar and I will miss working with him. On behalf of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar I send condolences to his family, firm and friends.

Monte was respected by lawyers across the State as a top flight trial lawyer. Fun to work with or against, always had a good story to tell. His eulogy of his long time partner Turk had me laughing and crying-at the same time. Like Turk, Monte was a legend, he will be missed!

To my long time former law partner, business associate and friend forever, Monte, you will be sorely missed by all who really knew you and especially by your family. I am sorry you will never have met your newest grandchild-to-be. We are all comforted by the many fond memories we have of you. I particularly recall all of the fun times we had in the practice of law, firm and neighborhood parties, and in Hot Springs, Arkansas. “And down the stretch, they come!”

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Monte. He was great friend and attorney. Monte was a man of integrity, kindness and professionalism. Prayers for his family and his team. He is missed. Florence & Kirk Clinkingbeard and Toni & Rod Van Dyne

I had the good fortune of meeting Monte when I transferred to Springfield in 1996. I always enjoyed working with him. Monte was a great mentor and friend. He always willingly offered his advice and guidance when I needed it. I will be forever great full for his friendship and what he taught me. Rest In Peace my friend.

Monte, a friend, adversary, co-defendant, and, the last few years, I mediated several cases with him. Unstoppable spirit with a positive outlook to the end. His contribution to our profession will be missed as will his positive fun loving spirit.

Monte was a great human being and a fantastic lawyer. A very well respected lawyer who was always courteous, professional, and practical. He was always fair to my clients (some of which he didn't need to be) and everyone else on a case. He was my favorite opponent as the results were always fair to everyone and practical and he was a perfect gentleman in victory and defeat. He was one of the finest opponents I ever had the pleasure to practice against. He will be missed by all.

1Cor.13

I started my practice working for Monte and the lessons he taught have stuck with me throughout my entire career. He was always knowledgeable about changes in the laws. He was always courteous to the opposing attorney and party. He just had a presence in the courtroom that made other attorneys and even the judges respect him. That respect was not something he was handed, it was earned. For him, being an attorney wasn't just a profession, it was a passion. Years later, he would always take my calls and freely hand out wisdom. Monte was a great attorney, but an even better person. He loved his kids and talked about them often. The Missouri Bar Association has lost one of its finest members. He will be missed.

Though we didn’t know Monte for a very long time, he was a great guy and will be missed.

Our office worked with Monte over the course of his career and I can truly say that he was one of the best attorneys I have ever worked with. He represented his clients to best of his ability, all the while being pleasant and professional. He will be missed.

Rest in peace, Monte. I'll miss you.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Monte was one of the first attorneys I worked with when I started reporting in Springfield in 1979, and our friendship continued until his death. He was always a joy to work with and a wonderful, sensible sounding board when one was needed. He was so determined to beat this awful thing, and I know he tried so hard. He will be greatly missed.

I knew Monte since 1985 as a boss, partner in the practice of law, friend and confidant. He was well respected by all. Never a man to do anything halfway, whether it be work, hobby or leisure, he did all in and with passion. He will be missed.

Monte was like an older brother to me, and a close friend and great mentor. He was one of the few great men that I have ever known. He was genuinely a hero of mine and will be missed always. While a truly great lawyer, he was even more impressive as a man and role model. While his beautiful wife and daughter know this, I hope it helps them that so many others thought so as well.

Monte and I practiced law together for 29 years and we were partners for 23 of those years. He was a mentor and a friend and taught me more than I could ever detail. He loved the practice of law and made sure he did it the right way. That value was instilled in him by Turk, O.J. and Don and he passed that on to me and every lawyer that came to our firm after me.

Monte was a great father and a great friend. I will miss him forever. Rest well my friend.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

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Mr. Monte Clithero