Michael Lee Chumley

Michael Lee Chumley, age 46, a cherished Father, Fiancé, Son, Brother, and Friend to many, peacefully passed away on the evening of Tuesday, November 19, 2024, after a courageous 2.5-year battle with colon cancer.

Born on December 17, 1977, in Oak Park, Illinois, Mike cherished his early years spent on his grandparents' hobby farm in Roselle, IL. At the age of seven, he moved with his older brother and parents to South Torrance, California. Each summer, he returned to Illinois to connect with his extended family, creating lasting memories.

Mike graduated from South Torrance High School in 1996 and briefly attended El Camino College before launching his career at Delta Airlines, where he started on the ramp and eventually became a mechanic. He further honed his skills at Exxon Refinery and later served as a Supervisor and then a welding inspector at PBF.

An outdoor enthusiast, Mike had a wide array of hobbies that brought him joy, including biathlons, camping, hunting, photography, archery, and a profound passion for astronomy and astrophotography. He was also an avid reader, loved attending movies, playing strategy board games, and would travel great distances for his favorite meals at Portillo’s. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his son, fiancée, parents, brother and close friends, and was a devoted supporter of the Chicago Bears. Mike loved sharing his interests with everyone- especially if he had acquired a new gadget!

Mike was deeply involved in his son Mikey's scouting journey since kindergarten. He completed Wood Badge training and relished the camaraderie of meetings, activities, and adventures. His commitment led him to serve as Cubmaster, and he continued as a dedicated parent volunteer when Mikey transitioned to Troop 762.

In June 2022, Mike was unexpectedly diagnosed with colon cancer, yet his optimism and resilience inspired everyone around him. He remained hopeful and determined to overcome the illness, fueled by his love for life and family.

After over 3.5 years together, Mike and his fiancée, Jodi, became engaged in September and eagerly anticipated their wedding planned for November 29.

Michael is survived by his parents, Deborah and Mike Frane, his son, Michael Lee Jr. , his brother, James Chumley, niece, Catie Guerrero, great nephew, Henry, half brother Josh Chumley, half sisters April and Christine, step siblings Mark, Christopher, Michael, Amy, Peter and Sean, his Memaw, Jeannette Page, his fiancée, Jodi, the family dog, Dot and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, including many close friends he cherished for the past 30 years. He was preceded in death by his grandfather (PePaw), Kenneth Page and Uncles Bill Keck and Paul Dunning.

A memorial service will be held locally, and he will be laid to rest near his beloved Pepaw in Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Mike Chumley's name to El Segundo's Scout Troop 762.