Michael E. Caughey

Michael E. Caughey, born in 1945, died at his home in Urbana, Illinois on January 13, 2026. Mike graduated from Orion High School, class of 1963. He served 6 years in the U.S. Army, returning to Michigan State University to earn his bachelors degree, ultimately earning his PhD in chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin in 1988. Mike was a scientist. He authored or coauthored over 20 publications. Mike worked at the Illinois State Water Survey for 22 years, retiring from the position of Atmospheric Chemist in 2010. At leisure, Mike enjoyed diverse activities, from photography and woodworking, to travel, biking, hiking and canoeing.

Mike was preceded in death by parents Elbert and Violet Caughey, and sister Pat Hansell. Left behind to miss Mike's thoughtfulness and wit are brother, Dave Caughey; sister, Karen Caughey; and Pat's children, Andy (Jenny) Hansell and Kelly (Clive) Lankwarden, and their children Julia, Maria and Lydia Hansell, and Ella and Anna Lankwarden.