CHAMPAIGN - Michael Lynn Eads, 74, of Champaign passed away at 5:07 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago.
Michael was born April 27, 1949, in Paris, Ill., the eldest of six children of Walter and Charlene (Bostic) Eads.
He is survived by his wife, Linda (Staehling); four children, James Eads of Oakland, Christopher Eads (Heather) of Villa Grove, Julie Staehling (fiancé Jayce Edwards) of Nashville, Tenn., and Rachel Stratton of Champaign; four grandchildren, Mitchell Gobert, Carley Eads, Delaney Eads and Violet June Edwards; two sisters, Donica Thompson (Jack) of Chrisman and Vicki Bussart (Leon) of Pesotum. A special mention goes to Michael's granddog, Riley Boo (Cray-Cray), whom he doted on and gave way too many treats, and an honorable mention goes to Sally and Dolly, his two feral cats that he made sure were always well fed and taken care of.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, David Eads, Gary Eads and Troy Eads.
Michael graduated from Brocton High School in 1967. He then attended Eastern Illinois University but got interrupted when life happened. Decades later, his wife, Linda, encouraged him to return and finish college. Michael graduated in 2009 and proudly walked the stage in full cap and gown at age 62 with a degree in accounting.
Michael was a veteran serving as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era.
Michael retired in 2016 after 30 years of service as an electronic technician with the U.S. Postal Service in Champaign. He liked his job and was a natural fit for the position and was always willing to help his co-workers.
Michael and Linda were married on Oct. 10, 2011, in Rockville, Ind., on a bet. They had no intention of getting married that day as they were in Rockville to attend the Covered Bridge Festival. They discovered they arrived a day too early and it was not open yet. With cash in his pocket and not wanting to waste a trip, they decided to get married at the courthouse. Michael always joked he got a bargain for $62. There were no rings, no flowers, no fancy wedding attire, just each other - and they never looked back.
Michael was an extremely talented man when it came to fixing things and making things. He could fix anything, and he enjoyed woodworking. One of his favorite things to make were birdhouses. He ran his own doggie day care from his home to accommodate Riley, as they were best buds.
Michael enjoyed going to the shooting range with his sister Vicki every week and enjoyed going to lunch with his friend Jerry. He was a member of the American Legion Post 24 in Champaign and the Illini Collector Car Club.
The family would like to thank Dr. Odenike and her staff and all the wonderful, caring and compassionate nurses at the University of Chicago where Michael was fighting a relapse of acute myeloid leukemia. In 2019, Michael was a proud participant in a clinical trial for a new drug to treat AML. In addition, we want to thank Olivia and her team at Christie Clinic physical therapy. They helped Michael significantly during the last five years both physically and mentally, and he truly enjoyed his exercise class and new friends.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Afterward, please join us in taking Michael to his final resting place in the Grand Army of the Republic cemetery in Homer. American Legion Post 24 will provide military rites.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Michael's name to American Legion Post 24, 705 Bloomington Road, Champaign IL 61820.
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