Clifford “Kip” Sleeth

Clifford “Kip” Sleeth went home to join his Savior on April 10, 2024, after a long illness. The loss of his dynamic presence will leave a vast emptiness where there was once the brightest sunshine of his spirit and smile.

Born February 21, 1947, in Springfield, Mo. to Thomas and Mary (Gray) Sleeth, Kip spent most of his early life in the Southwest Missouri area, graduating from Central High School in 1965. He enlisted in the Air Force and served in North Dakota. He graduated from Columbia (Mo.) College in 1978 with a degree in Psychology and in later years earned a second bachelor’s degree in Business. He moved to Houston, Texas in 1980, working in management in the roller skating business and then at O’Reilly Auto Parts. He spent the rest of his career in store and warehouse management with O’Reilly for more than two decades. He retired, but never one to slow down for very long, returned as a driver for O’Reilly. He was a favorite among those that met him on his routes and worked with him. He was always praised for his great attention to detail, dedication to his work and his care in leadership.

Kip was a man of many interests and loves. His passions included music, art, NASCAR and everything Medieval and Renaissance. He was an avid music collector and he had a wide variety of favorites. If you had a few moments with him, you always walked away with a new artist or song to listen to, as he was always listening to new artists and adding to his collection. He also loved NASCAR, attending several races, faithfully watching and cheering on his favorite drivers each week. He loved attending Renaissance events with his beloved wife, Karen. They were able to be a part of several Houston Downtown parades as participants. He also loved his dog, Keegan, whom he rescued when Keegan came into the yard and stayed. If you had the blessing to meet Kip, he always took the time to talk with you and you left with a new friend. If you spent any time being apart, you could reunite with him and pick up where you left off.

Kip is survived by his soulmate and wife of 38 years, Karen Sleeth of Houston. He is also survived by his daughter Gaylee and son-in-law Mike Koehler and his son Corey Sleeth, all of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Malcolm, Maura and Thomas Koehler. In addition, he is survived by many loving aunts, uncles and cousins from the Sleeth and Gray families, those he felt were more like brothers and sisters, as they all grew up closely together. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mary Sleeth.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Kip’s legacy, the family requests memorial contributions be made in his name to the Prostate Cancer Foundation with Partnership of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These donations will help towards further research and support to veterans fighting prostate cancer. Donations should be designated in memory of Kip Sleeth and can be made by clicking on the link below.

Thank you for your support and care!
https://www.pcf.org/va-partnership/

Service Information

Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Visitation
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home- Chapel
8706 Almeda Genoa Rd, Houston, TX 77075

Thursday, April 25, 2024
Visitation
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Greenlawn Funeral Home South
441 West Battlefield
Springfield, MO 65807
Springfield National Cemetery
1702 E. Seminole St. Springfield, MO 65804

Kip will be laid to rest at the Springfield National Cemetery, 1702 E. Seminole St., in Springfield, Mo. at 1 p.m.