Robert Michael "Mike" Triplett

R. Michael Triplett died suddenly at home March 1, 2021. He was born October 23, 1951 to Normal and Mildred Taylor Triplett in Dayton, OH. As there were several Uncle and cousin Roberts and Bobs, he was known in the family as Michael. I didn’t even know his first name was Robert until several months after we started dating.
He grew up in Fairborn ,OH and graduated from Fairborn HS in 1969. He was a Millwright at Inland Mfg-GM (later Delphi Products) in Vandalia and a crane safety trainer until his retirement in 2001. He attended Wilmington College, then used his GM Education Benefit to attend Shimer College , a Great Books program in Mt Carroll IL where we met. He then attended Wright State University, where he earned his BA in Social and industrial Communications (Minoring in Classics)in 1991, and later earned his Masters in Human Resources Counseling.He pursued a course of study in Pastoral Ministry at University of Dayton with the goal of becoming a Deacon.He even gave a try at Nursing school.
He married Thaddene O’Connor at our home in Yellow Springs in 1979, and we raised 4 children here: Christopher David, Nicholas Michael, Claire Marie and Mary Frances. Mike was very close to his late brother Dave and his wife Stephanie, and their daughter Katie was a another daughter to him.
He was a musician, playing guitar and later picking up the bass in the YS adult Orchestra. He found a home in Glen Helen, becoming a birder, leading walks and hikes in the Glen and the Christmas Bird count for many years. He served on the Boards of Glen Helen, The Antioch School, St Paul Parish council, the Session of First Presbyterian Church Yellow Springs, and The Beloved Community project. He also helped found the Yellow Springs Historical Society. He made a run for Miami Township trustee when we moved out to the township. For some years he taught religious education at St Paul YS. He had a fine voice, singing with St. Paul music groups and the World House Choir.
He was a man of many interests and projects, reading and researching, building, wood turning loving camping, visiting nature areas, and always sought out a bookstore in whatever town we were in. Our idea of a hot date was going out to a bookstore.He had an online used bookstore, which he was recently reviving. We had the chickens and ducks, raising the babies from eggs. He was a beekeeper, a gardener, and a tree planter. He loved to show children things, sharing what he knew about nature and music. Most recently he was starting an interest in boats, and working on their motors. He was a believer in looking out for family, which extended to the Human family. He had a care for justice, feeding people and helping them with education, If he saw a need, he worked to fill it.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother David Triplett, and a sister Lynda Triplett Roberts Clark., He leaves his wife, Thaddene Triplett MD, and live on in his children Christopher Triplett(Rachael Hawkey), Nicholas Triplett, Claire Godsey (Jared) and Mary Triplett and partner Joe Panuto. Grandchildren Zaria Triplett, Ronan Triplett, and Clara Godsey, and all the nieces, nephews,, family, cousins and friends.
We appreciate all the generous love of our family, friends and community. Donations may be made to The Antioch School or Glen Helen in Mike’s name. Lead with Love, folks.