Michael Joseph Cooley, age 59, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away January 20, 2025.

      He was born November 9, 1965, in Clinton, the son of Joseph Forest and Carol Jean (Delost) Cooley.

      Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Eastern Illinois University.  He was currently employed by Radiac Abrasives in Salem.  He was a pumpkin farmer, taking great pride in the four acres of pumpkins that he grew and generously gave away.  Mike had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed time spent hunting deer in both bow and shotgun seasons, mushroom hunting, and side-by-side riding.   

      He is survived by his 2 sons: Austin (Katie Wilson) Cooley of Clinton and Alec (Megan) Cooley of Clinton; mother: Jean Cooley of Xenia; grandchildren: Hazelyn Cooley, Huxston Cooley, and Cecilan Cooley; brother: Brian (Jill) Cooley of Clinton; a nephew: Jake (Sheena) Cooley of Xenia; and a niece: Jonah Cooley of Covington, Indiana.

      He was preceded in death by his father; and 2 uncles: Gary Delost and Gregory John Delost.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Cooley’s Back 40 Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Orchardville Fire Department, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com