He was born June 17, 1933 in Galesburg to Enos Malcolm “Malc” Lacy, Sr. and Leona (Philblad) Lacy. They preceded him in death along with one granddaughter, Mary Clark.
Mick graduated from Knoxville High School in 1952. He attended Knox College, graduating in 1956. He married Patricia Johnson in 1954. They had three children. He started his career teaching math at Knoxville High School from 1956 to 1962. He also coached basketball, football and track. He was an outstanding athlete who passed his love of all sports to his students and family. After teaching, he worked as a sales representative for Deluxe Check Printers for 25 years.
He lived his entire life in Central Illinois and was an avid outdoorsman who was fortunate to enjoy a life full of hunting and fishing with friends and family. He mastered the art of duck calling and showcased his skill by winning the World Championship Duck Calling contest in 1964. He eventually turned his passion into a successful game call business.
In 1985, he married Nancy Willson and together, they began their journey of building Big River Game Calls. Beginning in a small shop in Dunlap, they eventually built their own building as the business grew and employed 10 – 15 people who became like family to them. They produced a range of game calls using a variety of hard woods and took great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of their products. The success of their business afforded them ample opportunity to travel the country, meet lifelong friends, and create incredible memories. Mick was a celebrity in the world of hunting, and his family would often marvel at the excitement of others when it was mentioned that Mick Lacy was their relative. Mick lived his life’s dream.
Years later, they transitioned the business to Mick Lacy Game Calls and switched from manufacturing wood to acrylic calls. They retired from the business in 2009.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy of Peoria, four children: Beth (Tom) Clark of Peoria, Jane Eiker of Knoxville, Mike (Judy) Lacy of Polk City, IA, John (Amy) D’Albora of Edwardsville, eight grandchildren: Patrick Clark of Peoria, Emily (Jerry) Platt of Macomb, IL, Steven (Jenny) Van Winkle of Maquon, IL, Daniel (Courtney) Eiker of Knoxville, Shelly (Mike) Stewart of West Des Moines, IA, Nicole (Blake) Heikes of De Pere, WI, Rachel Lacy of Minneapolis, MN, and Abigail D’Albora of Edwardsville, IL. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, and one sister, Sarah Koons of Galesburg.
Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no services at this time. Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
You may view Mick’s obituary on line at www.Woosley-Wilton.com
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.11.1