Michael "Mike" Earl Julian, age 78, of Calhoun, Missouri passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at Shangri-La Rehab & Living Center in Blue Springs, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton, Missouri. A Celebration of Life service for Mike will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 12, 2022 also at the chapel. Inurnment will be in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Michael Julian Memorial Fund and can be left in care of the funeral home.

Mike was born August 24, 1943 in Clinton, Missouri to the parents of Estell and Ina Julian. He lived in Kansas City, Missouri where he attended high school. From 1961 to 1963, Mike enlisted in the Navy stationed in California and serving in Guam. After returning from the Navy he started in construction work. In early 1963, he met and married Reece Butcher, of Kansas City, Missouri. Together they had Dean, and later divorced.

On June 26th, 1965, he married Barbara Lee Julian of Kansas City, Missouri. They were married for 57 years before her passing in January 2021. Together they had Todd, Traci, Johnny and infant son Michael Elvin, who passed away after birth.

In 1985, Mike began his own business, Julian Saddles and Tack Supplies. Soon, Barbara and their son Todd joined the business. Together they traveled all over the country, selling and trading horses and tack. In 1994, Mike and Barbara relocated to Warrensburg with the dream to build a salebarn of their own, which they did. After Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer, they decided close the business and relocate back to the Clinton area to be closer to their children.

Mike loved horses, being outdoors, shooting pool, fishing and spending time at the riverboat casinos. He enjoyed driving all over the country and traveling. He liked rodeos and western movies. He was an enthusiastic showman who was amazing to watch work. He was a true cowboy at heart. In addition to working, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He taught them all about horses and hard work, allowing them to be right next to him whether in the middle of a sale, or working in the warehouse. He was one of a kind.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, parents Estell and Ina, his brother Richard, infant sister Joyce, daughter Traci and infant son Michael.

Michael is survived by one daughter Robin Littlejohn of Washington state, three sons Dean (Julian) Baker and wife Julie of Buckner, Missouri, Todd Julian of Clinton, Missouri, and John Julian of Calhoun, Missouri, great grandson Lain Hill of the home in Calhoun, Missouri, two sisters Jean Hedges of Raymore, Missouri, and Carol Miller (Larry) of Clinton, Missouri, five granddaughters Natasha Bailey (Chuck), Jilleen Julian, LeeAnn Marcase (Matt), Leslie Brice (Jay), Candace Easter, five grandsons Clayton (Patrica), Kyle and Dakota Baker, Trevor Julian and Brandon Easter, twenty-five great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.