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Michael Krepper Obituary
Memphis - Michael "Mike" Krepper, age 68, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 19 at 10:50 PM in his sister Suzanne's home in Dallas. He was a victim of colon cancer. He never lost his spirit or sharp wit while he battled. The cancer never once broke his determination to fight.
Michael was born March 23, 1951 in Beaumont, Texas to Muriel June and Gabriel Krepper, his loving parents. He graduated from Beaumont High School and Lamar University. He secured a position in Memphis, Tennessee at Christian Brothers High School. He became their band director and music teacher. His tenure there was from 1980 till 2000. After his stay there he entered the Memphis public school system and taught there until retirement in 2019. He spent his career mentoring and teaching the students about music and being the best they could be. His love of music extended beyond the school. He was a member of "The King Beez", The Memphis Jazz Orchestra, The Men in Black, Natchez, and several other groups playing all over the United States. He was asked to play with such notables as Johnnie Mathis, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Otis Williams of The Temptations and more. He was a mentor to many and was deeply respected by all that knew him. Playing music was the greatest joy in his life. He will be missed by all that knew and played beside him.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Muriel June and Gabe. He is survived by Suzanne, his sister, and Pat and Jimmie, his two brothers. A memorial service will be held in his honor in his home town of Beaumont at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home. There will be a viewing at 1:00 PM with a service to follow at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 29, 2020. A celebration of life will be held in Memphis the last week in March.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to the colon cancer organization of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Krepper
Sponsored by Forest Lawn Funeral Home.
4 Entries
Ron Turner
April 10, 2020
Mike and I were members of the Memphis State jazz program in 1970. From the moment I heard him play the saxophone I was in awe of his musicianship. Years later, when we were both teaching band, we worked together on several regional and statewide music education ensembles. He was the consummate teacher and performer. During the lean years of college, Mike lived in a spare room at my parent's house for a few months. I have had nothing but respect for his abilities as a teacher and a musician. His passing leaves a void in the Memphis music community. Rest In Peace old friend.
Ron Turner
Ray Davidson
February 26, 2020
I knew Mike in college. What a monster of a player! He really had studied the greats. When Mike took a lead, everyone listened. He was an amazing sax player. I remember him taking bassoon courses. In about 3 weeks, I walked in and he was playing jazz on a bassoon! Great guy and he had a great wit about him. Sorry to see you go buddy. You will be missed by many I'm sure.
Thom Davis
February 24, 2020
Mike was also band director at Elliston Baptist Academy, where he turned me on to jazz (I played trumpet in our jazz band), and he was a favorite among students. He was certainly one of my favorites! He was extraordinarily talented, had a wicked sense of humor, and with his help, I earned a band scholarship to Memphis State (U of M). I loved this guy!
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