Michael Sorrells

Michael Sorrells, age 64 of Canton, Illinois, passed away at 5:20 am on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born on November 5, 1953 in Avon, Illinois, the son of Everett and Evelyn (Manlove) Sorrells.

He is survived by two sisters, Marilyn (and Melvin) Hendricks of Rushville, Illinois and Dorothy (and Gary) Clevenger of East Galesburg, Illinois, two brothers, Gary (and Deb) Sorrells of Kewanee, Illinois and Randy Sorrells of St. David, Illinois, nieces and nephews Derek Sorrells, Troy and Laura Andrews, Todd and Gail Andrews, Bart and Melissa Sorrells, Brett and Tara Sorrells, Billie Jo Pence, Brian Sorrells, Paul Sorrells, Clinton and Karen Sorrells, Teresa Sorrells, Amy and Mike Walters, Mark and Jenny Hendricks, Candy Anderson, Cathy Rigg, Mike and Chrissy McDorman, and Sheree and Charlie Burns.

Mike lived in Ipava in his early adult years. He then moved to Broadway Arms in Lewistown and seeking independence and to be his own man, moved to Prophetstown, IL. He then lived in Peoria from 1984 to 2010 before moving to Canton.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Shirley Olinger, two brothers, William Sorrells and Donald Sorrells, and his nephew Kevin Hendricks.

Throughout Mike’s life, he enjoyed many hobbies including leather crafts, collecting nice smoking pipes, remote control vehicles, John Deere scale tractor models, and many stuffed animals, whom each had a special voice and name.

He was an avid listener to WBYS’ Putting You On radio program and an avid St. Louis cardinal fan. He loved to watch T.V., especially Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, and Investigate Discovery.

Mike enjoyed going out to eat, but his greatest passion was music. He listened to the Grand Old Opry every night. With his limited education he still learned to play the guitar and had a very good ear for the pitch of a song. Mike could listen to the song once and know how to play it. He could sing as well, having a very nice voice. He always dreamed of visiting Nashville to see some of his favorite artists. He would often call Nashville to speak to the artists themselves.

Mike had a great sense of humor and was always cracking jokes.

With all the afflictions he had, there was always a twinkle in his eye. He was a hard person to forget. Very strong minded, he controlled his destiny in spite of his difficulties. What set Mike apart from others was his courage, compassion, and caring for others with no regard for himself. He put others first and was very loyal.

With his strong devotion to God and his love for others, heaven is now a better place.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 5th from 5-7 pm at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, Illinois. Services will follow at 7 pm. Memorials may be given to the Mike Sorrells Memorial Fund. Cremation rites will accorded following services.