Michael Ray Persinger, age 71, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, July 11, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

      Mike was born February 3, 1955, in Flora, the son of Raymond and Leona (McKee) Persinger.

      During his Flora High School years, Mike was an outstanding athlete who excelled in football, basketball, and track. He later worked for many years as an oilfield roughneck on drilling rigs throughout the Illinois Basin. After his oilfield career came to an end, he moved to Sterling, Illinois, where he worked at Northwestern Steel and Wire Company.

      Mike returned home to the Flora area in 2010 and went on to work at the Walmart Distribution Center in Olney and at Xenia Manufacturing. He later found what he considered his most rewarding job when he was hired as a custodian for Flora Community Unit School District 35. He worked at Flora High School for more than 9 years before retiring due to declining health.

      During his time at the high school, Mike formed meaningful connections with many students. He spoke openly with them about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and encouraged them to become the best they could be. His favorite saying was, “No surrender, no retreat,” and those words reflected the determined way he lived his own life.

      Mike was a caring man who took time to listen to the problems and concerns of others. He was also very detail-oriented and had a remarkable ability to remember the things people shared with him. In his later years, he became an inspiration to many, especially through the strength and perseverance he showed during his battle with cancer. During that time, Mike accepted the Lord as his Savior.

      He is survived by 2 brothers: Steve (Jodi) Persinger of Flora and Allen (Miho) Persinger of Tokyo, Japan; nieces and nephews: Josh Persinger, Mandi (Brian) Robinson, Michael Daugherty, Keith Daugherty, Drew (Cass) Daugherty, Hunter Callahan, and Hannah (Danny) Argueta; a great-nephew: Hoyt Daugherty; great-nieces: Carmyn, Pyper, Trinity, and Chloe Daugherty; and many cousins.

      He was preceded in passing by his parents.

      A funeral ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 1 until 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to either Clay County Cancer Crusaders or Clay County Hospice, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com