Claude Michael Pauley, 72, went home to his Lord on August 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife.

Mike was born on July 9, 1951, in Columbia. His parents were the late Claude and Lois (Searls) Pauley. On April 29, 1990, he married Bobbie Jo St. Clair in Atlanta, Missouri. He attended Columbia schools: Russell, Grant, West Blvd, and West Jr. High, and was a graduate of University High School. He also attended Moberly Area Junior College. He served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam from 1969 to 1975. He was a faithful member of Midway Heights Baptist Church. There was never a person or animal that Michael met that he didn’t love. Mike was a kind and special person and well-loved by all who knew him. He never met a stranger and could have a long conversation with what the grandkids called “random people .” Mike enjoyed all of nature and the beauty God created, but his favorites were watching sunsets on his porches with his beloved Bobbie, being at beaches with family and friends, and his long-time coming visit to the Grand Canyon with close friends.

Some of Mike’s sayings to Bobbie include, “Let us cherish our memories and keep safe all treasures of our heart”, “You give me love without asking, laughter when I need it, and understanding like no one else does”, “I want to be remembered for who I am, not who I was” and for 33-plus years he would always say, “We’re going to do this together baby.”

Mike is survived by his wife, Bobbie; two stepsons, Danny Harris of Joplin and Rich Harris of Fayette; three daughters, Cindi Rodgers (Bill) and Cathi Black, both of Marceline and Christina Black of South Carolina; a brother, Mike “Fox” Phillips of Ashland; and a sister, Janet Pauley of Middletown, Delaware. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, Cassi Rodgers, Cody Rodgers, Markos Black, all of Marceline, Rob Beckett of Ashland, Benjamen Harris of Kansas City,   Danielle Harris, Stephanie Paddock (Dean) of Tulsa, Amber Nipper (Lucas) of Owasso, Oklahoma, Austin Harris (Maddie) of Olathe, Kansas, Logan and Caleb Harris of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Noah Harris (Alyssa) and Elijah Harris, all of Tulsa;  eleven great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Joann St. Clair and sister-in-law, Bernita St.Clair; niece, Katy Hoffecker (Tim); nephew, Austin Northcutt (Victoria); two great nieces and one great nephew all of Middletown, Delaware and many of his beloved Crosswhite and Pauley cousins.

Mike was preceded in death by his biological mother, Gladys Phillips; his biological father, Ernest Crosswhite; brother, Ralph Crosswhite; adoptive mother, Lois Searls Pauley; adoptive father, Claude E. Pauley, Jr.; daughter, Cassi Black; grandson, Chad Harris and father-in-law, Robert St. Clair.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Second Chance or Midway Heights Baptist Church, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65202.

The family will receive friends at Midway Heights Baptist Church on Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. 

A Celebration of Mike’s life will follow the visitation at 11:30 a.m. with a graveside committal with Military Honors following the service at Chariton Cemetery, Atlanta, Missouri.

Tributes may be shared with the family at www.bachyager.com.