Michael J. Poe

Michael J. Poe, 27, of Leaf River, IL passed away on the morning of June 7th, 2015. Michael was born in Chicago, IL on February 1, 1988 to Linda G. Poe and the late Phillip S. Poe. He is survived by his mother and two sisters, Christina M. Poe and Samantha L. Poe. Michael and his family moved to Ripley, TN when he was in 1st grade, and returned to Illinois when he was in 6th grade, where he began Forreston Middle School in Forreston, IL. He graduated from Forreston High School in 2006. He did track for a couple of years in middle school, and was very passionate about singing. Every year of middle school and high school, Michael was involved in the Forreston choir. Because of his incredible talent, he had an opportunity to sing at a state competition for the choir with others from Forreston. His passion for music inspired him to become a part of different bands with his high school friends with which he did vocals. Michael was a part of the youth group of Crossroads Community Church in Freeport, IL throughout high school. Toward the end of high school, he joined the National Guard where he wished to serve his country, and recruited others to join as well. He then moved to Arizona shortly after his high school graduation with several friends where he discovered sales. Due to physical complications, Michael was honorably discharged from the National Guard. Zealous about his newfound love in business and sales, he applied and worked for different companies. A top salesman for various establishments in Arizona, Michael's skills and intelligence led him to begin some of his own businesses. He returned home to his family in Leaf River, IL in 2013 with the intentions of launching a family business in order to help them out. Due to unfortunate circumstances such as the passing of his father in 2014 from cancer, mental illnesses that Michael had been facing for several years and continuously sought relief from led him to seek eternal relief from his suffering. Some of Michael's other interests besides music and sales included video games, computers, and web design. He is and will forever be missed by many whose lives he touched. (If you or anyone you know is suffering from mental illness or having thoughts of suicide, help is always available. Please reach out and allow others to take your hand so that you do not have to suffer alone.) A memorial service will be held 1:00 P.M. Tuesday June 16, 2015 at Crossroads Community Church in Polo with Rev. David Decker officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service. A memorial has been established in his memory. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign his online guestbook and to share memories.