Michael W. Calhoun

Michael W. Calhoun, known as “Mike” to everyone when he wasn’t in trouble, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters on September 26, 2024 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois.

Born on June 30, 1954 in Joliet, Illinois, Mike spent most of his young life in Wilmington, Illinois. He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1972 and joined the Navy immediately upon graduation. Mike served in the Vietnam War and after his time in the service, he wore many hats, including hard hats in both factory and construction work. He then switched his career to Dibble Trucking, where he worked for nearly 30 years. Mike’s work ethic could never be questioned – down to the countless calls he received asking for directions, even when on vacation. 

Throughout his life, Mike thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping with John Yeates and George Howard. In his younger days, he built and raced his own stock cars with his brother Pat and if you were lucky enough to hear those stories, I’m sure there were many howls of laughter. Mike’s sense of humor, knack for telling stories, and ability to captivate his listeners are some of the things he’ll always be remembered for.

He was married to Donna (Byerley) Calhoun for 48 years and had 3 daughters: Pam (Bill) Raber, Katie (Branden) Johnson, and Samantha (Nick) Montgomery. He loved his grandchildren Bobby Raber, Amelia Johnson, and Everett Montgomery more than anything else – even Dale Earnhardt. Mike’s legacy will continue to live on in them.

Mike is also survived by his sister, Juanita Yeates and many nieces and nephews, and was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Nancy (Howard) Calhoun, his brothers Jerry, Phillip, and Patrick, and several aunts and uncles. 

Per Mike's wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 12:00 p.m. Pastor Joe Schripsema from Braceville United Methodist Church will officiate, and burial with full military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. 

Pallbearers will be Albert Calhoun, Zackaryah Russell, Patrick Calhoun, Charles Byerley and honorary pallbearer Michael Schott. 

Memorial donations may be made as gifts in Mike’s name to Easterseals Joliet Region, Inc. or Kuzma Care Cottage in Wilmington, Illinois.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Mike's memorial page via social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.