Michael “Mike” Cleggett, 48, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026.
He was born June 3, 1977 in St. Joseph to Paul and Lilli Ann (McKinney) Thaxton. He grew up in St. Joseph, where he excelled in football and baseball in his youth.
He was a maintenance supervisor at Triumph Foods for many years, a job he loved and referred many people to come work there.
Mike was a reserved, strong presence for his family. He loved to splurge on them by taking them to football games and comedy shows, even buying the tickets if he wasn’t going himself.
Mike will be dearly missed by his family, friends and co-workers.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Harold McKinney (Judy) and Betty McKinney; and siblings, Paul Thaxton, Jr. and LaTasha Thaxton.
Survivors include his parents, Paul and Lilli Thaxton; his children, Whitney Ballard, Naxylah Cleggett, Zhy’Aire Cleggett, and Christioana Cleggett; grandchildren, Onyx Ballard and OnDril Manley, who’s on the way; siblings, Tasha Cleggett, Stephan Cleggett, Jonathan Thatxton-Cleggett, Heidi Cleggett, Champ Thaxton, Jody Thaxton (Maurice), Annette Bonnett, and Malakai Thaxton; numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, other extended family and friends.
Memorial Service 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 28, Simplify Cremations & Funerals.