Michael L. Hackett

TUSCOLA - Michael Lee Hackett, 40, of Tuscola passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday (Nov. 3, 2024) at 5:40 p.m.

A service celebrating his life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 S. Main St., Tuscola, with the Rev. Terri Smith officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mike was born July 23, 1984, in Urbana, the son of David Hackett and Cathy Cox.  

Mike leaves behind his children, Hunter Hackett of Sullivan and Wrigley, Rorey and David Hackett, all of Tuscola; parents, David and Marcia Hackett of Tuscola and Cathy and James Cox of Tuscola; siblings, Patrick Hackett of Jefferson, Wis., Mimi (Jason) Jones of Tuscola and Elise (Tyler) Main of Altona; niece, Morgan Jones; nephews, Mason Jones and Cole Hackett; stepsiblings, Erica Cox of Tuscola and Dylan (Jamie) Cox of Bloomington; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mike was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Harold and Neoma Hackett; and maternal grandparents, Everett and Lucille Weber and Bill and Mary Fern Carlyle.  

Mike had a contagious smile and charming personality. He never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, about anything.

He loved growing up on the farm, driving a semi and raising cattle. He traveled the country showing Hereford cattle and was looking forward to hitting the road this winter with his dad and the new show string.

Mike was a Cubs fan like his Grandpa Hackett, with whom he shared his birthday.  

He loved his children and was very proud of them. They are his legacy.

Memorials are suggested to the Illinois Junior Hereford Association. Online condolences may be sent at hilligossshraderfh.com.