Obituaries

Michael W. Davis

October 12th, 1948 – July 17th, 2026

Michael W. Davis, 77, of Rushville, Illinois, formerly of Astoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Mason District Hospital on July 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Michael was born on October 12, 1948, in Canton, Illinois, to Whitney and Norma (Siler) Davis. He grew up with a strong work ethic, a determined spirit, and a personality that would keep family and friends smiling throughout his life.

Michael proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His military service reflected the quiet courage, resilience, and sense of duty that remained with him throughout his life.

On May 1, 1970, he married the love of his life, Peggy J. Dutton. Together they built a life centered on family, love, and unwavering commitment. Peggy preceded him in death on November 9, 2021. Though her passing left an immeasurable void, those who loved them find comfort in knowing they are reunited once again.

Following his military service, Michael dedicated many years to Caterpillar Inc., where he built a respected career before retiring. He believed in working hard, providing for his family, and doing things the right way. He also gave back to his community by volunteering with the Astoria Fire Department for many years, serving his neighbors with the same quiet dedication that defined his life. Michael was also a proud member of Astoria American Legion Post 25, Schuyler County American Legion Post 4, and Rushville Moose Lodge 506, where he valued the friendships, camaraderie, and fellowship he shared with fellow members, veterans, and lifelong friends.

While Michael enjoyed attending car shows and admired classic automobiles, he also found great joy in gardening. He took tremendous pride in his flowers, spending countless hours tending to them and enjoying the beauty they brought to his home. Above all, nothing brought him greater happiness than his family. Whether it was a little league game, a Friday night under the lights, a basketball game, or any special event involving his children and, later, his grandchildren, he was there—quietly proud, always supportive, and making memories that will be cherished forever.

Anyone who knew Michael also knew he had an ornery streak. He loved teasing those he cared about, delivering a quick-witted remark, and keeping everyone on their toes. His stubborn determination, mischievous grin, and playful sense of humor brought laughter to family gatherings and created stories that will continue to be shared for generations. It was simply part of who he was, and those who loved him wouldn’t have wanted him any other way.

Michael is survived by his children, Brant Davis of Astoria, Illinois; Matt (Adrienne) Davis of Browning, Illinois; and Amy (Dan) Shaw of Rushville, Illinois; his brother, Jon Davis of Isleton, California; his six beloved grandchildren, Austin Davis, Braden Davis, Kayde Shaw, Brenna Davis, Kaylee Shaw, and Cooper Davis; his three cherished great-grandchildren, Emersyn Davis, Huttsyn Davis, and Harper Allen; and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy J. Davis; his parents, Whitney and Norma Davis; his sister, Jill Elliott; and his brother, Richard “Dick” Davis.

Services will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, July 21st at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, Illinois. Pastor Jason Triplett will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10 am until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be held in the Astoria Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army Honor Guard and the Astoria American Legion Post #25 to follow in recognition of his faithful service to our nation. Memorials in Mike’s memory may be given to the Astoria American Legion Post #25, the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

His watch has ended.
His duty is complete.
His love remains with us always.

Condolences

July 18th, 2026

Mike’s family, we are thinking of you all during this difficult time, Mike was such a friendly guy he always was ready for a conversation and made everyone feel so good, your mother and him had such a beautiful relationship they were always together and I know they are smiling at each other now.
Prayer’s and hugs,
Bob and Susie Bucher

July 18th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. Darrell and Debby Pierce

July 18th, 2026

I’m sorry to hear of Mikes passing. He was, indeed, a friendly guy! The obituary said it all.

July 18th, 2026

Linda Hamm

July 18th, 2026

I'm so sorry to hear of Micheals passing He was always there with a joke and good for a chuckle. He and Peg are together again. I know how he missed her. God bless the family with peace. Linda Foutch Schneider

July 18th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. Dee Jones

July 18th, 2026

Jon and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Joyce Schisler Behymer

July 18th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. Nancy Carithers

July 18th, 2026

So so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with your family. Sean and Payton

July 18th, 2026

So very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing.
Todd Shaw

July 18th, 2026

so sorry for your loss amy your dad was a nice guy sending hug and prayers to you and your family ROB AND ROXANNA PABEN

July 18th, 2026

Even though it was only short time I have knew Mike I will always cherish the time we talked at the WTUdeer classic and sitting by you at basketball games. RIP Mike

July 18th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. You're all in our prayers. Mike and Peg are together again. Daniel and Becky Hamm

July 18th, 2026

So sorry for your loss
Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Gary & Bev Malott Taylor & family

July 18th, 2026

Mike will be missed by many! His love for family and friends was endless. He leaves a void felt by many! Jodie & Robbin Kost

July 18th, 2026

Mike was a good man always with a smile and conversation. Our condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed. Wendell & Alice Clanin

July 18th, 2026

So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Paul and Carol Stambaugh

July 19th, 2026

So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him. Tim & Vicki Phillips

July 19th, 2026

So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him. Tim & Vicki Phillips

July 19th, 2026

So sorry for your family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jim and Deb Park

July 19th, 2026

My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends. Carolyn Cripe

July 19th, 2026

Thoughts and prayers for all of Mike’s family. Roberta Oest

July 19th, 2026

So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was always so friendly and kind to me.
John and Rita Corson

July 19th, 2026

Matt and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad.

July 19th, 2026

I’m so sorry to hear this. My sincere condolences to the family. Kathleen Myers Drecktrah

July 19th, 2026

So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers for his family.Jim and Vicky Ackley

July 19th, 2026

So very sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to the family. Mike also served the Town of Astoria for many years as a Trustee and was active in the community. Brian Bucher

July 19th, 2026

Mike was a great guy, always was good to see and visit with him! Thoughts and prayers to all the family- Dean and Sandy Roddis

July 19th, 2026

Such a sad time for the family of Mike's. Known this family for a long time. Thoughts and hugs for all. Marsha Thomas

July 19th, 2026

So sorry for the family's loss! Prayers for comfort! Debbie and Jimmy Derry

July 19th, 2026

I remember him faithfully putting out the veteran flags in cemetery. Missed them when they moved out of Astoria & still think about them both every Sunday when I drive by the house they had on Liberty in Rville. Beautiful people. So sorry for your loss. Caryl Lasswell

July 19th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with the entire family. Rochelle (Oest) Sappington

July 19th, 2026

We are sorry for your loss. Keeping family in thought and prayer. Bob and Melba Baker

July 19th, 2026

We are sorry for your loss.
Wendell & DeeVon Schisler

July 19th, 2026

Sorry for your loss.He will be missed by many 🙏🏾 Bob Bucher

July 20th, 2026

So, so sorry for your loss. Praying God gives you comfort and peace during this time and the many difficult days ahead. Mike and Donna Shirley

July 20th, 2026

So sorry for your loss hugs and prayers for your family Larry and Lisa Bucher

July 21st, 2026

Brant, Matt, and Amy is am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I first got to know your dad through the scouting program. I remember him as a leader and teacher of young men. I always enjoyed learning whatever he had to show us. Then as I continued to grow up he was always around somewhere with an encouraging word or a pat on the back to lift your spirits. Then when I joined the fire dept he was one of the mentors for me. Such a great man, I will miss those handshakes and warm welcomes. May god grant you all peace at this time of loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Dean Southerd

July 21st, 2026

Sorry for your loss. Danny France

July 21st, 2026

Sorry for your loss
Mike will be missed at our Veterans coffee meetings.