Michael Mayo

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Michael Ray Mayo, 53, of Poplar Bluff passed away Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital.

He was born Aug. 11, 1964, in Bloomfield, Missouri, the son of Harold Clinton and Linda Fay Kennedy Mayo.

Michael was a 1983 graduate of Advance (Missouri) High School.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Oct. 15, 1983. He was stationed at the Naval Air Base Miramar in San Diego, California, as well as on many different aircraft carriers during his career. Michael was a naval jet mechanic. He served in the Iraq War and also in Desert Storm.

When Michael was stationed in San Diego, he met Jennifer Lynn Roberts. They were united in marriage Nov. 22, 1986. During their 17-year marriage, their three children were born.

After proudly serving 11 years in the U.S. Navy, Michael returned home to Advance. He became a member of the Advance Eagles.

He loved his three children more than words and enjoyed watching them play sports and coaching. Becoming a grandfather was a life-changing experience, and he cherished all five of his grandchildren. His family never went a day without knowing he loved them. He was generous to everyone and would give you the shirt off of his back.

Survivors include a son, Garret (Jasalynne) Mayo of Bernie, Missouri; two daughters, Ashley Mayo of Zalma, Missouri, and Shelly (Kyle) Conley of Advance; a brother, Robert Mayo of Anna, Illinois; three sisters, Leslie Harvel of Jonesboro, Illinois, Marsha Smith of Wappapello, Missouri, and Tiffany Wondel of Advance; five grandchildren, Ayden and Lawson Conley, Wyatt Scott, and Shaddix and Axal Mayo; his stepmother, Kathy Mayo of Jonesboro; two uncles, Mike Kennedy of Advance and Peewee Kennedy of Miner, Missouri; and three nieces and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a stepbrother, D.J. Welch; and his stepfather, Joe Welch.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the chapel, with the Rev. Dave Swindell officiating. Burial will follow at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.