Mike Regan

Mike was born July 5, 1969, in Springfield, the son of Patrick and Sally J. Jenkins Regan.

He graduated from Griffin High School in 1987 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Mike was an encyclopedia of unusual and mostly useless trivia, and was a master of crosswords, completing even the hardest ones in minutes…and in pen. He was a jack of all trades and could fix or build just about anything. Many of his friends are now going to have to hire electricians, construction contractors, and hot tub repair people.

Mike lived each day like it was his last day. Whether it was an extra ticket to the ballgame or a last-minute family card game, He was always “in” and ready to go. Mike had a lust for life that was unlike anyone else you would ever meet. In a sense, Mike never wanted to grow up.

He lived a care-free lifestyle and was rarely ever mad at anyone and that was one of his best qualities as a person. You may have been mad at him or he might have owed you some money, but that was always short-lived because Mike had a way of leaving a soft spot in everyone’s hearts.

Music was very important to Mike. A life-long fan of the Grateful Dead, Mike enjoyed their music and music of other Southern Rock bands such as the Marshall Tucker Band, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and many others.

The most important thing to Mike was family. He cherished his daughters and granddaughters and they were his whole life. Mike would tell them, “When I’m dead and gone you’re gonna cherish these moments,” which was normally met with an eye roll, but now that he is gone from us, those words come crashing back to reality for all of us.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sally J. Regan-Hatfield and his beloved dog, Cleatus.

Mike is survived by his daughters, Ellie Jane (husband, Troy) Williams and Kasak Eileen Jane Regan, both of Springfield; grandchildren, Finley, Ophelia, and Addison Williams, with one on the way; father, Patrick (wife, Sarah) Regan of Springfield; step-father, David Hatfield of Springfield; brother, Joe (wife, Sue) Regan of Springfield; step-sister, Renee (partner, Carmen Allen) Hatfield; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his beloved dog, Thelma Lou.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

A private family burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702 or Friends of Sangamon County Animal Control, P.O. Box 9742, Springfield, IL 62791.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home—Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.