Michael Alan Bays

1941 - 2024

Michael Alan Bays

June 9, 1941 - August 4, 2024

It could be said that Mike Bays never knew a stranger. And after he left his earthly existence early Sunday morning (August 4, 2024) and was greeted on the other side by family and friends, we're sure he finally sat down and talked to Paul the Evangelist. (For those who missed the Johnny Cash reference, it's "One of These Days I'm Gonna Sit Down And Talk To Paul.")

Graveside services honoring his life will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at Schilling Funeral Home with Masonic Rites starting at 6:00 PM.

Michael Alan Bays was born June 9, 1941, in Evansville, IN, a son of Carl Andrew and Lorraine Wilson Bays. He grew up in Urbana, IL, graduating from Urbana High School in 1959 and Illinois Commercial College.

Mike enjoyed hunting and studying Theodore Roosevelt. He owned stock in the Green Bay Packers and thus the name of the family dog, Packer.

He was a member of Wabash Masonic Lodge #179, the Loyal Order of the Moose of Mattoon, and the Eagles Club of Mattoon. He was a member of ANSAR SHRINE and the Corn Belt Shrine Club.

Mike spent most of his life dealing in heavy machinery in Coles County. As he grew older, he dabbled in many things, including Belgian Draught Horses. One of his Belgians, Peach Blossom Fly, placed sixth in the nation for Belgian mares five years and older in 2018. He drove all over the country, mostly in search of machinery deals, but also to visit family and to vacation on the Ohio River in southern Indiana and Gulf Shores, AL.

Mike was a member of the United Christian Church, Mattoon.

He married Joan Marie Phelps in 1962 in Champaign. She died March 1, 1996. He married Mona Grafton March 20, 1999, in Mattoon.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Joan, and a son, Brent Bays. His survivors include his wife, Mona; a son and daughter-in-law, Clinton and Kirsten Bays, Charleston; a sister, Karen Bays of Wakefield, Quebec; and sister, Kathy (Matt) Wallig, Urbana. He is also survived by four grandsons, Andy (Maddie) Bays, John (Kendel) Bays, Jake (Kaylee)Bays, and Nick Bays, as well as three great-grandsons (Trey, Parker and Brooks) and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to the staff at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Willow Breeze Hospice House for the excellent care provided to Mike, his family and friends.

Memorials may be shared with Shriner's Hospital for Children in St. Louis, 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110; Mattoon Community Food Center, 600 Moultrie Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938, or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.schillingfuneralhome.net or Schilling Funeral Home's Facebook page.