C. Michael “Corky” York, 69, of Godfrey, IL passed away at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, July 14, 2020.
He was born in East St. Louis, IL on February 27, 1951. Mike graduated from Signal Hill Grade School, Belleville West High School, received a B.S. degree in Business Administration from SIUE and worked for Illinois American Water Company for 23 years. In 1974 he married his high school sweetheart, Gayle Willis and they raised their family in Godfrey, IL.
Mike was a lifelong Cardinals fan, animal lover and car enthusiast. He enjoyed basketball, golfing with the “Golfing Guys” and cruising around in this dream car. Mike loved the beach, going out with his Friday night gang and listening to Night Life. Mike enjoyed all types of music and had the perfect play list for any occasion. His family, especially his grandkids, were the light of his life.
Mike was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Dwight S. and Ruth (Crick) York and a niece, Jane Regula
Mike is survived by his:
- Wife of 46 years: Gayle
- Children:
- Jason M. (Sarah)York of Dallas, TX
- Allison M. (Dan) Pierron of Melbourne, FL
- Sisters:
- Sharon (Fred) Regula of Millstadt, IL
- Amy Campbell of Waterloo, IL
- Brother: Dwight (Sue) York of Ewa Beach, HI
- Grandchildren:
- Harper and Calvin York
- Charlie and Amy Pierron
- Dear niece, nephews and many dear friends
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Five A’s Animal Shelter, Alton, IL.
Visitation: Visitation from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Friday, July 17, 2020 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, July 17, 2020 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Pastor Steven Helfrich officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Garden of Memory in Belleville, IL.
20 Comments To "C. Michael “Corky” York"
#1 Comment By Glenna Schnebly On July 15, 2020 @ 3:41 pm
Gayle- I’m so sorry to hear about Mike. I’ve known Mike since I was 4 years old. You and your family have my deepest sympathy- Glenna
#2 Comment By Sandy (Haeffner) and Jerry Thovson On July 16, 2020 @ 5:45 am
So very sorry for your loss…hoping cherished memories will help to ease your pain. Very glad we were able to meet up with both of you in February in Florida . Sending condolences and hugs…
#3 Comment By Linda Lawrence Hough On July 16, 2020 @ 6:27 am
Sorry for your loss. Please accept my sympathy to you and your family.
#4 Comment By Jul Fischer On July 16, 2020 @ 7:29 am
My condolences to you Gayle and the family. I met Mike in 4th grade at Signal Hill grade school. Played a lot of sports with him and always enjoyed his company. As time went we did not get to see each other often but when we did he was always smiling and a joy be around. May he rest in please ????.
#5 Comment By Whit and Millie Reichert On July 16, 2020 @ 10:57 am
Dear Gayle,
We are so sorry. Mike was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was my first and best friend from Kindergarten through High School.
He will be missed.
All our love and prayers,
Whit and Millie
#6 Comment By Carolsiebert On July 16, 2020 @ 12:53 pm
So sorry Gayle prayers sent.
#7 Comment By Mary L Sterling-Wiener On July 16, 2020 @ 1:55 pm
Dear Gayle,
Whit shared the news of Mike’s passing with me and I am so deeply saddened. We all were lucky to have had such a good friend through our years growing up in Belleville. Early memories are cherished. Please know I will hold you and your family in my thoughts.
Mary Sterling
#8 Comment By Jeff Santen On July 16, 2020 @ 2:37 pm
Dear Gayle, And Family. So very saddened by the loss of Mike! Mike was one of the first Friends I made when I moved to Belleville in 1965. We were friends ever since. I didn’t see a lot of Mike after High School, but always had a great time whenever we crossed paths, usually on a Golf Course. He always seemed to be in a good mood. Please accept my deepest Sympathy. Jeff Santen.
#9 Comment By Les Wilbanks On July 16, 2020 @ 3:34 pm
Gayle – Please accept my sincere sympathy and condolences for your loss. I am at a loss for words. There is nothing I can say or write to easy the pain and suffering that you are enduring right now. My thoughts have been with you all week. All my Love. Les
#10 Comment By Larry Schofield On July 16, 2020 @ 8:11 pm
Gayle, So sorry to hear about Mike. My heart goes out to you and your family. Getting to see him twice last year just became even more special.
#11 Comment By Golfing Guys On July 17, 2020 @ 9:50 am
Sorry for your loss!! We’ll miss him out at league every Saturday morning! Great Guy! R.I.P Mike!!
#12 Comment By Joyce Roberts On July 18, 2020 @ 10:30 am
Gayle, deep condolences. Brenda informed me about the loss of your beloved Mike.
#13 Comment By Janice Lutz On July 18, 2020 @ 1:57 pm
Gayle,
So sorry to hear. Please accept my sympathy. I will hold you in my thoughts.
Janice Lutz
#14 Comment By Melani Partain Holton On July 19, 2020 @ 10:43 pm
My dear Gayle, I am so very sorry for your loss. And I’m so grateful I got to see you & Mike together, 1 more time, in Florida at our BTHSW mini-reunion. I knew him from our days at Signal Hill and in later years always enjoyed seeing the sparkle in his eyes that he had because of you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
#15 Comment By stephen f welsch On July 20, 2020 @ 10:07 am
Dear Gayle, My deepest condolences to you and your family. Steve Skelton just let me know of Mike’s passing, it seems like only yesterday that you and Mike were dating while he worked at the Pant Pit. He was a great guy then and it’s obvious he grew into a loving husband, father, and grandpa. You are in my thoughts, Steve Welsch
#16 Comment By Gayle York On July 24, 2020 @ 4:01 pm
Thank you Stephen! You’d love a photo I have of Mike at the Pat Pit. If you give me your email I’ll send it to you! Gayle
#17 Comment By John torrez On July 21, 2020 @ 10:07 am
Gayle. I am very sorry to hear about my buddy Mike. I will pray for you all and Mike. My memories will help to lessen my sorrow. I hope yours do too
#18 Comment By Gayle On July 24, 2020 @ 4:02 pm
Steve here’s my email glymath@charter.net
#19 Comment By Susan Cox Holden On July 27, 2020 @ 9:53 am
Gayle, I am so sorry and shocked to hear about Mike. He was such a good guy. I have such wonderful memories of our Signal Hill days and so glad that he got to be at our the recent BTHSW class reunion, on which you both worked so hard to make a success. Thank you for that. It was a gift to see so many classmates. I know that you have a huge hole in your heart and your family. May God bless you all and hold you in his loving arms. You have my prayers at this difficult time. Susan Cox Holden
#20 Comment By Will Shaw On August 17, 2020 @ 5:42 pm
Deepest sympathy on the loss of Mike, so glad I got to see him again (and you) at the reunion,
God bless