Robert Michael Phelps, 62, of Springfield, passed away in his home on April 21, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with emphysema which led to COPD.
Mike was born the son of Robert Leland and Doris Evelyn Phelps, of Springfield, on November 12, 1949.
Mike graduated from Parkview High School in 1968 where he thrived in many school activities. He attended Southwest Missouri State before serving in the US Navy.
After a tour in the Navy, he attended and graduated from Arkansas State University where he met Eda Claire Sulfridge who he later married on May 22, 1976. Both moved to Springfield, Mo, to join the family business. They gave birth to his pride and joy, a daughter, Miranda, 1980.
Mike spent the majority of his career in the insurance business where he won numerous accolades from customer service to sales achievements. His biggest achievement in life was being that of a loving father, son, big brother, and great uncle. He brought so much joy to his family and those he surrounded with is upbeat nature and willingness to do anything for those he loved. He loved, more than anything, being Uncle Mike to his great nieces and nephews who brought so much joy to his life.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Phelps. He is survived by his daughter, Miranda Phelps of Boston, MA; his father Bob Phelps, two siblings and their spouses, brother Rick and Donna Phelps, sister Pam and Doug Lyman. Four nieces and nephews and their spouses; Kristi and Jason Knopinski, Brooke and Mike Glenn, Chris and Lyndsey Phelps, and Jennifer Phelps. He is survived by great nieces and nephews; Jaxon Glenn, Haley, Noah, and Lucas Phelps, Simon and Anslei Knopinski; a devoted loving family member, Sharon Gragg; as well as numerous friends and colleagues.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East with Pastor Jim Mason officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday, April 24, 2012, in the funeral home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East Springfield, MO.