Michael Dan Clafferty Sr.

Michael Dan Clafferty, Sr., 82, of Waco, passed away on November 18, 2020 at the Veteran’s Administration surrounded by his loved ones.

Mike was born August 25, 1938 in Longview, TX to William Henry Clafferty, Sr. and Nettie Mable Smith Clafferty.  Growing up in Longview, Mike enjoyed playing baseball and was offered a semi-pro spot with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  After graduating from Longview High School in 1956, Mike enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a medic.  After his military service, Mike went to college at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX where he met the love of his life, Jo Ann Taylor.  They were married on January 15, 1965, in Nacogdoches.

For 13 years, Mike worked as a General Manager at several JCPenney Department Stores. In 1978, Mike resigned from JCPenney to become a commercial real estate broker so that he would have more time to spend with his family.  He relocated his family to Waco and truly made it his home.  Mike and his family were founding members of St. Jerome Catholic Church, and Mike was the first Grand Knight with the St. Jerome Knights of Columbus Council 13005.  He was a Eucharistic Minister and was extremely involved in all aspects of St. Jerome, and was a beloved familiar face to all.  He loved standing in for Santa during the holiday parade and also at the St. Jerome Christmas Dinner. Mike was also a popular figure in the stands at all of his children’s sporting events because he made it a point to cheer for each member of the team, and they all looked forward to his encouraging support.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry Clafferty, Sr., and Nettie Mable Smith Clafferty, and his siblings, Billie Delores Clafferty Andrews, William Henry Clafferty, Jr., Barbara Mercedes Clafferty, and Mable Louise Clafferty Hayes.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jo Ann Taylor Clafferty, his daughter Veronica Clafferty Brown and husband Brian of Santa Clarita, CA, his son Michael Dan Clafferty, Jr. and wife Kathy of Hewitt, and his son Matthew Clafferty and wife Stephanie of Woodway, along with 9 grandchildren, Rachel, Logan, Tanner and Isabella Brown of Santa Clarita, CA, Jacob and McKenzie Clafferty of Hewitt, and Alice, Stella and Scarlet Clafferty of Woodway.

The Clafferty family wishes everyone could help celebrate Mike’s life with them, but due to the current COVID-19 concern, there will be a private mass held for family at this time.