Michael Eads

Michael Lynn Eads, 74, of Champaign, IL passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 5:07 p.m. at the University of Chicago Hospital, Chicago, IL.

Michael was the eldest of six children born on April 27, 1949 in Paris, IL to Walter and Charlene (Bostic) Eads.

He is survived by his wife Linda (Staehling) and four children: James Eads of Oakland, IL, Christopher Eads (Heather) of Villa Grove, Julie Staehling (Jayce Edwards, fiancé) of Nashville, TN and Rachel Stratton of Champaign. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Mitchell Gobert, Carley Eads, Delaney Eads, and Violet June Edwards. Also surviving are two sisters, Donica Thompson (Jack), of Chrisman IL and Vicki Bussart (Leon), of Pesotum, IL. Special mention is Michael’s grand-dog Riley Boo (Cray-Cray) whom he doted on and gave out way too many treats. 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 US Navy during the Vietnam era.

Michael retired in 2016 after 30 years of service as an Electronic Technician with the US Postal Service in Champaign IL. 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 October 10, 2011, in Rockville Indiana 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 make a wasted 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. Michael was a member of the American Legion Post 24 in Champaign IL and a member of 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 (AML). 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 5 years both physically and mentally and he truly enjoyed his exercise class and new friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday April 3, 2024 from 10:00 am to noon at the Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main Street, Homer. After visitation, please join us in taking Michael to his final resting place in the Grand Army of the Republic (G. A. R.) 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 the American Legion Post 24, 705 Bloomington Road, Champaign IL 61820.