Michael "Mike" Clell Frye

With heavy hearts but grateful spirits, we invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible life of Mike Frye - a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and an adventurous soul who left us too soon. Mike was a man with a heart of gold, who never met a stranger - only a friend he hadn’t shared a beer with yet. His warmth, humor, and easygoing nature made him the kind of person who could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. Through every phase of his life, he built lifelong friendships and left an unforgettable mark on everyone he met.

Michael Clell Frye was born on July 8, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Oscar Clell Frye and Virginia Marie Haggard Frye. He grew up alongside his brothers, Jeffrey Eugene Frye and Gregory Alan Frye, and surrounded by a large, loving extended family in Mercer and Lineville, Missouri.

Mike began his law enforcement career in 1977, serving with the Merriam and Roeland Park Police Departments, before joining the Fairway Police Department in 1982. He dedicated 17 years to the Fairway community, retiring as a Sergeant in 1999. His dedication, sharp instincts, and ability to connect with people earned him widespread respect. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades and awards in recognition of his outstanding service. 

On July 1, 1978, Mike married Robyn Janda Rock in Overland Park, Kansas. Together they embarked on a 46 year journey filled with love and adventure. Their greatest joy arrived on September 8, 1983 with the birth of their daughter Jacqueline (Jackie) Erin Frye. Jackie quickly became Mike's world and he loved spending time with his family.

The open road was Mike's happy place. Whether cruising on his motorcycle through the Flint Hills or taking a cross-country journey to backpack through Utah, Mike was the happiest when exploring the outdoors, especially the National Parks. He was always planning his next great adventure - and of course, bringing his family along for the ride! He loved history, watching John Wayne movies, and laughing late into the night while watching ‘Cheers’ or Barney Miller. He was even compared to Ron Harris on a few occasions. Some of his favorite moments were spent on country drives, with the windows down, singing along to John Denver or Johnny Horton with Robyn and Jackie.

Following his retirement, Mike discovered a new passion - the Hamm’s Beer Club. A true Hamm’s Beer enthusiast, he spent his days collecting, refurbishing, buying and selling Hamm's memorabilia. His quest for treasures took him to shows and on cross-country adventures, forming lasting friendships along the way. He was honored to serve on the Advisory Board, and was event voted into the Hamm's Club Hall of Fame. 

Mike’s legacy lives on through his grandson and name sake, Joshua Clell Mack. Named after his granddad and great-granddad, the Clell name serves as a lasting tribute to a man who filled so many lives with love, laughter and adventure, and left a mark on the hearts of all who knew him. There will never be another one like Mike Frye - and we are so lucky he was ours.