Michael McClernon

Michael McClernon, 69, died peacefully this past Sunday, May 20, 2018 in Jacksonville, FL. He will always be remembered for his warm smile, witty humor, and dedication to serving his community. Michael was respected and loved by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed. Michael was born on July 1, 1948 in Springfield, MO to Bernard and Mary Katherine McClernon. He was the oldest of their 9 children. Growing up Michael worked on the family dairy farm, Grand View Dairy. He graduated from Glendale High School in 1967 and shortly after enlisted in the United States Navy. He served honorably during the Vietnam War on the USS AMERICA CV-66 as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, attaining the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. After his service Michael completed his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of North Florida in 1975. He later went on to complete his Master of Science degree in Aging/Applied Gerontology from North Texas State University in 1979. Michael married Mary Ann Kafka in 1982. They were happily married for 35 years until her passing in 2017. Michael had a 37 year career in senior living administration in Florida and Kansas. Prior to his retirement in 2016, Michael was the CEO and Administrator at The Towers of Jacksonville.

Michael was a devoted Catholic throughout his life and enjoyed being an active member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. He spent countless hours volunteering at his children’s school, St. Matthew’s Catholic School, as a member of the school board. One of his greatest passions in retirement was volunteering at the Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Jacksonville. Michael was a loving son and brother, a wonderful husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Mary Katherine and his wife, Mary Ann. He is survived by his three children, Helen Chwalisz (Daniel) of Winter Park, FL; Patrick McClernon (Laura) of Manama, Bahrain; Katherine Chaffin (Jason) of Hendersonville, TN; two grandchildren, Scout and Jackson Chaffin of Hendersonville, TN; his brothers, Dan McClernon (Sandy) of Springfield, MO; Larry McClernon of Rogersville, MO; Barney McClernon (Cindy) of Albuquerque, NM and his sisters Kitty Zimmerman (Rick) of Leander, TX; Agnes Pope (David) of Republic, MO; Alice Hansen (Jim) of Springfield, MO; Jenny Stine (Nick) of Springfield, MO; and Sarah Morrissey (Donnie) of Springfield, MO.

A visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd on Monday, May 28 from 6:00-8:00pm. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 1773 Blanding Blvd at 10:30am on Tuesday, May 29. The family will be greeting friends and relatives in the parish hall following the Mass. Michael will be laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2:00pm on Tuesday, May 29. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Michael's name to Fisher House https://donate.fisherhouse.org/