Michael R. "Mikey" Mullinax

Michael R. “Mikey” Mullinax, age 73, of Kankakee passed away Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. He was born Oct. 6, 1950, in Kankakee, the son of Jack R. and Doris M. (Dupuis) Mullinax. From an early age, Mike was an avid fisherman; he always had his favorite “secret” fishing spots along the Kankakee River. He also loved to bowl. To his family, he was a lovable jokester, often telling friends that he’d won his younger brother, Jimmy, at the fair. He was thrilled when his sister, Jackie, came to visit and would leave behind leftovers of her famous pot roast or meatloaf. When his younger sister, Lori, became ill, Mike took on the role of companion, often running errands for her and making sure she was comfortable. Mike loved his family dearly; he also loved his independence. He spent many years on the road as a Schwan’s delivery man — often earning the title of top salesman. Frequently on his routes, he would stop by customers’ yard sales at the end of the day and bring his mother, Doris, his latest finds. In his early years, he was an outstanding pitcher, having played for both the Lions Little League and the Alpiner’s Pony League. He had a pretty nifty knuckle ball and pitched a no hitter in each league. Mike, in his free time, liked to frequent his favorite neighborhood establishment: Marie’s bar. As a regular, his favorite bartender and dearest friend, Michelle, would have his usual seat open and the TV remote waiting on the counter to turn on the day’s game. Mike was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Vietnam Conflict. Rarely would you see him without his veteran’s cap. His sisters will miss his annual calls to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries; the way he’d let out a belly laugh at his own jokes; his big-bear hugs; and the way he’d end each call with, “Love you, hon.” He is survived by his sisters, Jackie M. Ziemer of Evansville, IN; Judy (Mike) DeBouck of Decatur; Mary Brandt of St. Louis, MO; and Cathy (Brian) Pepin of St. Louis, MO; four brothers, Tommy (Cindy) Mullinax of Gilbert, AZ; Jimmy (Sandy) Mullinax of Herscher; Jeff (Cindy) Mullinax of Bourbonnais; and Greg Mullinax of Kankakee; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and many long- time and loyal friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and beloved sister, Lori Oswalt-Mullinax. Cremation rites have been accorded. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Marie’s, 900 W. Station St., Kankakee. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or your local VA organization in support of homeless veterans. Arrangements by Schreffler Funeral Home in Kankakee.

Michael R. "Mikey" Mullinax

October 6, 1950 - October 16, 2023

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Michael R. "Mikey" Mullinax

October 6, 1950 - October 16, 2023

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Sympathy Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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