Michael L. Knox

Michael was born February 2, 1943, in Springfield, the son of Richard Lawrence and Margaret (Miller) Knox. He married Linda C. Layendecker on December 4, 1982, in Springfield, IL.

Mike was a lifelong resident of Springfield and in the very first class to start at Little Flower grade school. He spent his first two years of high school at Cathedral Boys High School and graduated from Griffin High School in 1961. Mike proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War from October 1965 to December 1969. He served with the 555 Red Horse Squadron, stationed in Cam Ranh Bay in South Vietnam. Mike’s military service sparked a love for his country that he would carry with him for the rest of his life. He was employed as an inspector for the Insurance Services Office where he inspected fire departments and fire protection districts until his retirement in 2005 after 35 years of service. He also worked for FEMA for ten years, was a retired Auxiliary Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy, and worked part-time for the Divernon Police Department. Mike was a long-time member of Christ the King Church and proudly supported the school and Church. He was also a former member of Knights of Columbus #364 and volunteered for St. Martin de Porres and Meals on Wheels. Mike enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing and golfing. He opened the pro-shop at Pasfield Golf Course for many years after his retirement. He also loved traveling to Canada to spend time with his friends. Most importantly, Mike loved his family, and his grandchildren held a truly special place in his heart. He and Linda were there for every possible sporting event, play, or other activity and they traveled many miles to attend all they could.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Terry Knox.

Michael is survived by his wife, Linda of Springfield; his children, Brent (Jeralyn) Knox of Columbia, IL, Leslie (Andy) Seck of Springfield, Maureen (partner, Lee Heaton) Knox of Aurora, IL, Matt (Kristin Washburn) Drone of Park Ridge, IL, Ryan (partner, Jamie Amorella) Knox of Corinth, TX, and Ben Knox of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Liam, Aidan, Caitlyn, Brenna, and Keira Knox, Kayla and Grace Seck, Conner, Megan, and Molly Arnold, and Jacob, Hannah, and Joshua Drone; sister, Pat Ober of Ballwin, MO; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Christ the King Parish, 1930 Barberry, Springfield, IL. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Dominic Vahling, celebrant. A recording of Michael’s funeral mass will be available after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, by visiting here for those unable to attend.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to support Lewy Body Dementia Programs at Rush University Medical Center. Please send memorial checks, made out to "Rush University Medical Center" to Rush Office of Philanthropy, 28057 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1280 or visit https://rushgiving.com/OtherMovementDisorderstribute or Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, 1200 West Washington, Springfield, IL 62702.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.