Mike was born in Bethesda, MD, the son of Webster R. and Doris M. (Mathias) Hood. In his early years, Mike was lucky to have many residences stretching from coast to coast as his father served in the United States Marine Corps. Having never lived in Illinois, he surprisingly chose Eureka College to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science(’73). While at Eureka College, Mike was a proud member of the bell choir. It was here that he found his favorite “brown-eyes”, Linda L. Luse. They married in Rock Island, IL December 19, 1971, and she survives.
Also surviving are his daughter, Vanessa (Brett) Pankey, his son, Christopher (Ashlyn) Hood, both of Springfield, his bonus daughter Christine (Tony) Lee of St Louis, MO, his grandchildren Alissa (Eastin) Hunter, Andrew Pankey, Carter Hood, Addison Hood, Colleen (Adam) Usry, Tyler Lee, and many nieces and nephews, as well as many great nieces and nephews. Most recently he was given the distinguished title of Great Grandpa by Harper Hunter, a life goal he was most determined to achieve.
His parents and a sister, Susan Tanfield, preceded him in death.
Mike was well known in the Eureka community for his acts of service, as well as the owner and operator of Starlite Lanes Bowling Alley. He was an active member of the Eureka Christian Church, with most Sundays spent operating the church’s sound machine. He later found great joy serving as a counselor with the Peoria Children’s Home. Mike also went to work at State Farm in Bloomington-Normal where he served as a facility maintenance associate, and would then travel (sometimes in the same day) to Peoria to serve as an usher for the Peoria Chiefs Baseball Team. His final job before officially retiring from the work force was with Sam Leman Automotive in Eureka. Mike found satisfaction in the quality of his work, no matter the scale.
In his free time, Mike selflessly donated over 13 gallons of whole blood and continued to donate blood through Apheresis. As an avid sports fan, he was most known for his commitment and loyalty to the Washington Redskins (Commanders), while still allowing his son to cheer for “da Bears”. When Mike and Linda moved to the Springfield area to be closer to family(2019), they joined the Parkway Christian Church.
Spending time with family was very important to Mike. Retirement years brought many hours of joyfully sitting in the stands, bleachers, and lawn chairs watching his children coach and his grandchildren participating in all their sports and activities. Vacations were enjoyed especially when water, beach, scuba diving, and a great restaurant could be enjoyed.
Cremation rites will be accorded.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S Koke Mill Rd. Springfield, IL from 1:00pm until the time of Memorial service at 3:00pm. Reverend Scott Woolridge will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, Mike’s wishes were for memorial contributions to be directed to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38106, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital 4400 Clayton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 or Tunnels to Towers 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten, NY10306.
