Mickey Killingsworth

Mickey Killingsworth, 63, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Cox Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Fittingly, his final day carried a message in its very name—March Forth. Those who knew Mickey know that was exactly how he lived his life: always moving forward with determination, resilience, and humor.

Mickey was born on September 8, 1962, in Wichita, Kansas, to Marvin and Joan Killingsworth. His love of the foodservice business began early when his family operated a Mr. Swiss Restaurant, known for its distinctive A-frame buildings, soft-serve ice cream, and classic menu favorites.

One of Mickey’s earliest working memories was sweeping the restaurant parking lot. What he didn’t know was that his dad would secretly toss coins into the lot ahead of time to keep him motivated. Mickey spent the rest of his life happily scanning parking lots for spare change—something he enjoyed almost as much as golf.

His dad also helped Mickey refine his swing in a way few golfers could claim—by having him hit dimes off concrete. Many of Mickey’s best days were spent on the course at Fremont Hills, which he considered his childhood playground.

As an adult, Mickey built a career in foodservice distribution while continuing to enjoy the things he loved most. He spent many days on the golf course and traveling to his favorite place—Negril, Jamaica—with his wife, Kristi, where the two shared some of their happiest memories together. Mickey also had a knack for building or fixing just about anything using the random treasures he saved along the way, rarely throwing anything away because he was sure it might be useful for the next project.

Mickey is survived by his wife, Kristi; his sister, Marcia; his in-laws, Leroy and Sharon Arr; two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law; three nieces and one nephew; great-nieces and nephews; aunts and an uncle; many cousins and friends; his close friends in Cooper Estates; and his yellow Labrador companion, Cash.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Cox Hospital and CoxHealth at Home Hospice for the exceptional care they provided and for helping ensure Mickey’s transition was peaceful and pain-free.

Mickey will be missed by all who knew and loved him. There is comfort in imagining that he was greeted in heaven by Hank and is enjoying a cold beer with his close friend “Aunt Gloria” and many others who were waiting to welcome him.

And if you happen to spot a coin in a parking lot or hit the best golf shot of your life, you might just smile and think of him—because Mickey never passed up either one. In his honor, we will keep moving forward, just like he did, and march forth.

A celebration of Mickey’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.