Michael Scott Western of Greentop, MO passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
He was the son of the late Donald James Western and Ellena Blanch (Scott) Western also of Greentop, MO. Mike was also preceded in death by his younger brother, Terry ‘Joe’ Western. He is survived by his older sister, Jane Ann (Western) Maulfair of Macungie, PA, as well as his wife Dolly Western of Greentop.

In 1966 Mike married the late Brenda Mitchell, mother of their 2 children, Shane and Shawna.
Later in life, Mike married Dolly McClure of Greentop, MO. As his story continued on, his life was filled with many good times spent with his family, children, and grandchildren. Eventually, four great-grandchildren joined this crew, of whom he was extremely proud.

On those warm summer days when Mike was a little boy, he endlessly followed his grandfather around the farm and loved learning how to grow corn and watermelon. Like most farm kids in rural Greentop, Mike attended the Wells one-room School through the 8th grade. He then attended the Greentop High School where he served as a class officer, graduating in the Class of 1963.

After graduation he served his country in the National Guard, completing basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey. He went on to work many years in road construction with W. L. Miller Company where he made many lifelong friends while there. After retiring, Mike loved taking his dog to the farm to check his cattle and survey the landscape. Mike knew his cattle by name and they excitedly responded when he called.

A small oasis existed on the farm, otherwise known as ‘The Shack’. The Shack was a refuge for Mike and served many important purposes. It was the place to plan the strategy for each season's deer hunt and a place to get warm by the wood stove and have a hot bowl of chili in the winter. It was the place to gather for wienie roasts in the summer and hayrides in the fall. Most importantly, it was a place where several of Mike’s closest friends would meet every Sunday to make fun of each other and themselves all while playing endless games of Pitch. Some of Mike’s best stories and favorite memories came from sitting around that old table each week with his good buddies, the late Dale Miller, Basil Walker, Dave Pearson, his brother, Joe; and cousin Ed Scott.

As time became an unfriendly companion, Mike suffered serious health problems which he bore with strength and dignity, never complaining of his situation. He loved life to the very end and Michael Scott Western will be dearly missed.

Mike is also survived by his son Shane (Shelley) Western of Greentop; daughter Shawna (Chad) Hudson of Mt. Pleasant, IA, step-son Doug McClure (Monica) of Colorado and Buck McClure (Trac) of Greentop; sister-in-law, Lola Western of Greentop, MO; his grandchildren Keely Western of Columbia, MO; Kaylee (Tim) Sehnert of Warrenton, MO; Bo (Teale) Western of Greentop; Gunner (Abbey) Western of Columbia, Brendan Hudson and Reese Hudson both of Mt. Pleasant, IA; step-grandsons Michael McClure and Josh (Lilly) McClure of Minnesota; and four great-grandchildren.

A service for Mike will be held at 2pm, Thursday October, 31st under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Sam Western presiding. Burial will follow at the Greentop Cemetery. Public visitation will be held 12pm - 2pm prior to the service.

Mike loved all animals big and small and we respectfully request, in lieu of flowers, any memorials be made in Mike’s honor, to the Adair County Humane Society, and they may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.