Mike Waller

Michael Keith “Mike” Waller, affectionately known as “Walley” passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau.

Born Nov. 26, 1949, in St. Louis, to William C. and Vivian E. McPeters Waller, Mike was the youngest of four sons. Shortly after Mike’s birth, the family moved to Patton.

Mike enjoyed playing any sport available to him. He lettered in baseball and volleyball and truly excelled in basketball. After graduating from Patton High School in 1967, he played basketball at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff.

Mike was a skilled tradesman, working in the construction industry in Texas before returning to Jackson to work with his brother at William Waller Construction Co. He later worked for the City of Jackson and retired from Cape Girardeau County Highway Department.

Mike was involved in the men's softball leagues in the area throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, where he forged some of his longest friendships. After softball, he became an avid golfer and made even more lasting friends. Undoubtably one of the biggest Mizzou fans, Mike was a walking encyclopedia for Mizzou athletics. He was an active member of the Elks Lodge No. 2652 in Jackson.

Loving survivors include sisters-in-law, Nelda (late Gerry) Waller of Patton; Elizabeth (late Bill) Waller of Jackson; Norma (late Tom) Waller of Perryville; nephews and nieces, Jackie (Eddie) Schmid of St. Louis; Carol (Kevin) Usery of St. Peter; Keith (Valerie) Waller of Las Vegas; Michael (Thedra) Waller; Todd (Denise) Waller, Larry (Faye) Waller, and Gerry (Michelle) Waller, all of Perryville, Mark Waller, Kelly (Karen) Waller, and Leigh Ann (Darren) Steele, all of Jackson; and many great-nephews and great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Gerry, Bill, and Tom Waller.

Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. An Elks service will be held at 2:15 p.m., Tuesday, immediately followed by the funeral, conducted by the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer. Interment will follow at Patton Community Cemetery.

If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests the Jackson Elks Christmas Basket Program.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Mike’s obituary article at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.