Michel McCord

Michel lived his life with passion and exuberance, always aiming to give more than he received. This began with his limitless and unconditional love for his wife, children and grandchildren and extended to the Peoria community.

Michel was born on June 5, 1944, in Peoria, the son of Robert and Victoria McCord. He married Judith Kay McKenzie in Texas on August 26, 1967. His wife of 45 years survives.

Also surviving are his children, Molly (Corey) Martin of Flower Mound, Texas, Scott (Heather) of Peoria, Katie (Thomas) Jenkins of Peoria, Melanie (Michael) Behling of Chicago and Mitzi (Robert) Demeter of Chicago; eight grandchildren, Connor, Michel , Tyler and Emma Kay Martin, Meyer McCord, McKenzie and Hannah Behling, and Matthew “Mac” Jenkins; two sisters, Robin (Thomas) Groom of Houston, Texas, and Melissa (James) Metternich of Peoria; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Michel graduated Peoria High School in 1962. He graduated the University of Arizona in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Finance and Insurance. In 1974, he earned the designation of Chartered Life Underwriter.

He was president of Illinois Mutual Life Insurance Company from 1983 to 2010 and CEO and Chairman of the Board since 1990. During his 45-year career, he served as director, manager, and vice president before being named to his most recent role. His work was one of his life's passions as he was dedicated to the people he worked with and the mission of Illinois Mutual.

Mike was a distinguished member of the Peoria community and was well known for his dedication to community service. He served on the board for several organizations including the Bradley University Board of Trustees, most recently serving as Chairman of the Board, Central Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army Advisory Board, and the Heart of Illinois United Way. Mike has also been recognized with many community awards, including the Tom Connor Distinguished Service Award, Cancer Center for Healthy Living Distinguished Service Award, Salvation Army William Booth Award, “Others” Award, and Mission Award, the YWCA Legend Award and the Red Cross Good Citizen Hero Award.

He was a member of the Peoria Country Club, Creve Coeur Club, and Rotary Club of Peoria. He was past member of Arts Partners and past Chair; Bradley University, Business Council; Country Club of Peoria Board of Governors; District 150 Financial Advisory Committee; Economic Development Council for the Peoria Area, past Chair; Bradley Chief’s Club, past President; Eureka College, Board of Trustees; Hult Health Education Center, past Chair; Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce; Peoria Area Community Foundation, past Chair; Peoria Neighborhood Commission; and YWCA Advisory Council.

A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Peoria on Monday, October 22, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Robert Phillips will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:00- 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 21, 2012, at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Chapel in Peoria.

Cremation rites will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bradley University, the Heart of Illinois United Way or the Illinois CancerCare Foundation.

Please visit Mike’s story at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com