Michael T. "Mike" Simkins, 78, of East Peoria, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

He was born August 27, 1947 in Peoria, Illinois to the late Robert and Patricia (Pierson) Simkins.  He married Linda Thompson in Washington, Illinois on September 17, 1983.  She survives.

Also surviving are two children, Troy Johnson, Stacy Potter (Mike); five grandchildren, Kain Johnson (Emily), Christopher (Kirsten) Potter, Justin (Morgan) Potter, Cameron Potter (Cat), Ashton Dawson (Haley); four great-grandchildren, Blakely Potter, Brixton Potter, Navy Potter, Laylin Potter; and his brother, Thomas Simkins.  Along with his parents he was also preceded in death by one son, Christopher Simkins; and two sisters, Sharon Harmon and Patrice Davis.

Mike was a United States Navy Veteran serving during the Vietnam War on the USS Bryce Canyon.  Following his service he worked as a self employed carpet installer for 43 years out of Cohen's and Ethan Allen primarily.

Mike belonged to the Peoria Elks Lodge #20 and American Legion.  He and Linda wintered in Clearwater, Florida for many years.  He enjoyed playing golf with his buddies and having a Bud Light on the 19th hole.  He loved his SCS softball team and their pool parties, singing karaoke in Chetek, Wisconsin and vacationing in the Caribbean Islands, Italy, England, Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii with FMC friends and family.  He will be dearly missed.

Per his wishes, cremation has been accorded.  His visitation will be from 4 to 6pm Friday, August 14th at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.  Funeral Mass will be held at 2 pm Saturday, August 15th at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Peoria Heights.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois.