Arthur "Mickey" Lee Kloth Jr.

Arthur Lee “Mickey” Kloth Jr., of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, friendships, and cherished memories that will be shared for generations whenever family and friends gather for coffee, conversation, and laughter. He was born on October 19, 1942, in Jourdanton, Texas, to Arthur Lee “Mike” and Marie Anne Kloth.

Mickey grew up in South Texas, graduated from Charlotte High School, and went to work at an early age. One of his first jobs was with the Texas Department of Transportation, where he helped cut the center line and survey what would become IH-37 from San Antonio to Corpus Christi.

He later went to work for Sun Oil Company, where he became well known not only for his strong work ethic but also for his competitive spirit. In his younger years, Mickey was athletic and quick on his feet. He played baseball on three different teams and later softball, and if you worked at Sun Oil, you might have witnessed an impromptu foot race somewhere between the boiler house and the Cat unit. Winning wasn’t everything — but it usually occurred, especially if

Mickey was involved.

Mickey had a lifelong love of speed and horsepower. If you knew him “back in the day,” you knew he liked fast cars and had more than his fair share. If you were fortunate enough, you might have ridden in one with him. Those weren’t just cars; they were stories, pride, and pure joy on four wheels.

After Sun Oil, Mickey worked for Turner Tool Company and National Oilwell Varco, where he made many friends while working in sales and spent weekends at the hunting lease visiting with customers, friends, and family. When he wasn’t there, he was attending dances at local dance halls, hunting, fishing, or spending time at the family ranch in Three Rivers, Texas. Always outdoors, always moving, always connected.

After retirement, Mickey and Sue enjoyed traveling together, especially when it included a stop at a casino or two along the way. If you were looking for him, chances were good he’d be near the Buffalo slot machines, the blackjack table, or a three-card poker game — focused, smiling, and enjoying the moment.

One of Mickey’s greatest joys was being “Grandpa.” He was the kind of grandfather who made time, listened closely, and made you feel important. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took pride in sharing stories, lessons, and knowledge with them — sometimes serious, sometimes funny, always memorable. You could always find him watching his grandkids at their sporting events. Mickey will be remembered for his unending patience with his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s antics.

One of Mickey’s fun traditions began before retirement and continued for years after: morning coffee at local restaurants with friends, family, and customers. When COVID shut those gatherings down, the coffee didn’t stop — it simply moved to the driveway. “Coffee Club” became the place to be. If you wanted to know what was happening, all you had to do was sit down for a cup or two.

Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Lee and Marie Anne Kloth, and his beloved wife, Carolyn Sue Kloth.

He is survived by his children: Michael (Teena) Kloth of Ames, Iowa; Misty (Justin) Gonzalez of Three Rivers, Texas; and Shelley (Mitchell) Hines of Corpus Christi, Texas.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jordon Kloth, Mikayla Kloth, Coltin Hines, Chanel Hines, Kaylee (Marcos) Guerra, Christopher Weachter, Jaylee Gardner, and Tyler Gonzalez; and his great-grandchildren, Tatum Guerra and McKinley Guerra.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sharing a cup of coffee with a friend in Mickey’s honor.

A visitation for Mickey will be held at Sawyer-George Funeral Home, 12497 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410, on Sunday. Family will gather from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with visitation open to friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Funeral services will begin on Monday at 9:00 AM. Following the funeral, there will be a graveside service at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Rd