Michael S Londe

~Lovingly Written By The Family~
Dr. Michael S. Londe passed away at his home on October 2, 2025. He was 87 years old. He was born to Anne (Barnett) and William Londe on May 26, 1938, in St. Louis, MO. He served in the United States Air Force, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1958, when he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve for indefinite period, and finally transferred to the Retired Reserve.
During his life, Michael pursued many varied careers. Just to name a few, he began very young working on film developing in a camera shop. He later worked at a gas station. After his active military duty, he became a certified radio and television repairman where he was required to lug around the big tubes to replace the old ones. This led him into his next major career adventure.
As he was installing equipment at the fire and police departments, he learned of the injuries these first responders encountered during daily operations. These injuries often delayed or prevented them from carrying out their ability to fight fires, crime, and to help victims affected. He recognized the need for additional help, training, and specialized medical equipment to meet those needs before ambulances could be called in by firefighters or police. Thus started his career in the Mobile Reserve Rescue Service in St. Louis and surrounding areas. In this role, he and his brother, David, trained firefighters and other first responders, as well as key industrial personnel, in first aid. They also responded to emergencies as these departments were called out to treat any injuries and medical emergencies at the scene until an ambulance arrived. In addition, they were available for community emergencies such as car accidents and home medical emergencies, sometimes providing emergency medical transportation in necessary situations. He and his brother used their own personal funds to provide this service.
The sudden unexpected loss of his brother led him to pursue his final career choice of Clinical Psychologist. He focused his practice on addiction treatment, clinical hypnosis, and diagnosis of ADHD as it effects those suffering from addiction, or those who come from a family where addiction is prevalent. He opened his own private practice in Joplin, MO in 1990. When working with his patients, he realized that dealing with the day-to-day difficulties of obtaining and maintaining sobriety was most beneficial for their success in recovery. Thus, he pioneered the idea of out-patient addiction treatment, which has become the norm.
Dr. Londe cared deeply for the people who came to him for help and guidance, often working many, many hours above the 40 hour work week. His commitment to their well-being was always a major concern and focus for him. He spent many hours researching and learning a wide variety of programs to help in the treatment of addiction and related challenges, always looking to help in the best way possible. If there is one bit of wisdom he would want his patients and all those suffering with addictions of any kind, it would be: Get screened for ADHD; if appropriate, get that diagnosis, find medication that works for you and N E V E R S T O P T A K I N G I T!
Michael's life journey led him to Joplin, MO, where he met and married his forever soulmate, Mary Schaefer. They married in January, 1991. Michael embraced Mary's children, Miranda and Russell, loving them as his own. Later that year, Michael and Mary welcomed their beautiful daughter Gabhriel, his princess, into the family.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brother, David Londe, his first wife, Patricia (Wooley) Londe, and their son, David Londe. He is survived by his wife, Mary Londe, his daughters, Gabhriel Londe and Miranda Downs, his son, Russell Downs and wife, Amberly, his daughter-in-law, Marsha Londe, his grandchildren, Krystal (Lance) Romines, Kim Hess, Vincent Knese III (Kimmy), Heather Romines, Clarissa (Angus) Spenkle, Dante Downs, and Brendyn Downs, and several great-grandchildren, a 'bonus daughter' Amelia Markley, and his "Big Happy Family" of in-laws he loved as his own.
In any spare time he had, he enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes, fishing and hiking, telling silly "dad" jokes, and making those around him feel safe and at ease. He was especially proud of building his detailed model of the HMS Bounty (which took SEVERAL years).
Dr. Michael Londe's life's work not only touched the people who knew and loved him in the present, but helped shape generations to come. At his core, he believed in helping EVERYONE, no matter their background or status. Helping one helps all. He is a hero that will be deeply missed.
There will be a come and go visitation on Friday, October 10, from 6 to 8 pm at Parker Mortuary, 1502 South Joplin Ave., Joplin, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be left in the care of Parker Mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.