Michael J. Staley

   Michael J. Staley, 77, of Carmi, IL., passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN. Michael was born on August 20, 1947, in Evansville, IN, the son of William Henry Staley and Velma Catherine Pollard. He married Jane Matsel Short on October 5, 2002. Michael received his Master’s Degree in Agriculture from Murray State University and continued his education at Southern Illinois University to become a school administrator. After teaching for a few years, he then became principal at Brownsville School in rural White County during its transition to a school for children with physical and intellectual disabilities. He was the Director of Transportation for the White County Schools, a Boy Scout leader and Special Olympics coach during those years. After 35 years, he retired from Brownsville School in 2002. Michael was on the cemetery board of White County Memorial Gardens, a member of the White County Retired Teachers Association, an avid bird hunter and traveled the country with his wife on his Goldwing motorcycle and in their motorhome. He was previously on the Tri-County Services board and a past president of Brownsville Water at its inception.

   Michael is survived by his wife of 23 years, Jane; children, Michael Todd (Lynnette) Staley of McLeansboro and Timothy Jay (Rosemary) Staley of Nashville, IL; step-children, Pamela (Dan) Hopkins of Eustis, FL and James Heath (Danielle) Short of Carmi, IL; grandchildren, Amanda Dawn Staley, Timothy Todd (Holly) Staley, Alan Michael Staley, Savanna Jaye(Grant) Snow, Sarah Kate Staley, and Rachael Lynn Staley; step-grandchildren, Zach Prather, Matt Prather, Brett Short, Gabby Short, Emmi Short, and Aydan Allen; great-grandchildren, Jaxon Prather, Hartley Jane Prather, and Nash Thomas Prather. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Darrlyn (Kenneth) Klomhaus and Judy (Donald) Barlow.

   Funeral Services for Michael J. Staley, 77, of Carmi will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 15, 2025, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial will follow at White County Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Friends may also visit on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s memory to White County Memorial Gardens or Brownsville School, envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Campbell Funeral Home, 609 W. Main St., Carmi, IL 62821.