Michael Bays

1941 - 2024

MATTOON - It could be said that Mike Bays never knew a stranger. And after he left his earthly existence early Sunday morning (Aug. 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 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon. Visitation for family and friends will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, at Schilling Funeral Home, with Masonic rites starting at 6 p.m.

Michael Alan Bays was born June 9, 1941, in Evansville, Ind., a son of Carl Andrew and Lorraine Wilson Bays. He grew up in Urbana, 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 Shriners Hospital 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, Ala. 

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

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

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joan; and a son, Brent Bays.

His survivors include his wife Mona; a son and daughter-in-law Clinton and Kirsten Bays of Charleston; sister Karen Bays of Wakefield, Quebec; and sister Kathy (Matt) Wallig of Urbana. He is also survived by four grandsons, Andy (Maddie) Bays, John (Kendel) Bays, Jake (Kaylee) Bays and Nick Bays; 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, MO 63110; the Mattoon Community Food Center, 600 Moultrie Ave., Mattoon, IL 61938; or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at schillingfuneralhome.net or Schilling Funeral Home's Facebook page.