Michael Gene Truskey

Michael Gene Truskey Christopher- Michael Gene Truskey, 67, formerly of Christopher, IL passed away at 7:46 PM on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 from 5-8 PM at Blue Funeral Home in Marion, IL. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Marion following the service. Michael was born on August 2, 1943 at UMWA Hospital in West Frankfort, IL to Stanley & June (Bayless) Truskey. Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Pat & Iraj Kohzadi of West Frankfort; brother & sister-in-law, Jim & Karen Bayless of Thompsonville, IL; several nieces & nephews; several great-nieces & great-nephews; extremely special cousin & her husband Sharon & Jack Dollus; special friends who shared the Baha’i Faith, Marjean Steitman, Deanna & Gary Littell, Mark Anderson, David Von Behren, David & Anne Crenshaw; several other special people in Michael’s life that the family apologizes they can not recall. Michael was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Lester & Mae Mackey. Michael was a graduate of Christopher High School. He joined the Illinois Air National Guard as a Staff Sergeant and spent one year on active duty, receiving two commendations and secret security clearances. He continued his education through out his life. Michael loved to learn and teach, becoming an inspiration to many; especially due to his love of children. He enrolled in Sangamon State University and obtained a B.A. degree in Management. He also attended Lincoln Christian College & Lincoln Land Community College, where he graduated with a degree in General Education & Science. Michael also earned a degree in Electronics & Radio Communications from the Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS, along with a degree in Data Processing from the Automation Machine Training Center. As evident by the locations of his various degrees, Michael loved to travel. He made trips to such places as Ireland, England, Egypt, Africa and several excursions to China. He was baptized at the First Christian Church in Christopher, IL; later turning to the Baha’i Faith in his thirties, where he ultimately found his Peace of Mind. Michael was employed at the Caterpillar Plant in Peoria, IL as a data processor and was a member of the United Auto Workers Local 974.