Michael Lynn Illing

Michael Lynn Illing, 57, of Zanesville, died at his home on March 11, 2017. He was the son of Kay Marie Mitchell and step-son of Bernie Mitchell, of Zanesville. Mike was a 1977 graduate of West Muskingum High School where he lettered in football. He was an Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. He was a member of Amrou Grotto, a Junior Warden in Lafayette Lodge #79 F & AM, life member of Harley Davidson Owners Group (H.O.G.S.) and Cornerstone Full Gospel Church in Duncan Falls. He was a professional Banjo player. He also played acoustic and bass guitar and piano keyboard. His banjo career began on the Delta Queen Steamboat and later became resident banjoist on the Mississippi Queen starting with its maiden voyage. After seven years with the Steamboat Company, he had the opportunity to be on the Johnny Carson Show but turned the offer down. He loved NASCAR, built and ran his own stock car on local dirt tracks, winning the coveted checker flag; fishing, and woodworking were also hobbies. He was a certified welder, electrician, and was accomplished in anything he wanted to do. He worked for ODOT, ACE Truck, Ken Browns Auto Repair, Maintenance Supervisor at Dollar General in Zanesville and Marion, Indiana, and worked at Wyandot Popcorn Factory in Marion. Upon returning to Zanesville, he became the Maintenance Supervisor for Fanatics in Frazeysburg and was recently employed at Linden Lighting for the last two years. He is survived by his mother and step-father; a daughter, Michelle Lynn Illing and a step-son, Richard (Heidi) Harper both of Zanesville; a sister, Luanna (Paul) Smiley of North Carolina; a niece, Moriah; and two nephews, Timothy and Jordan. Friends and family may call from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE where Masonic Services will be held at 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home with Rev. Stephen J. Harrop officiating. He will be laid to rest at Zanesville Memorial Cemetery, Zanesville. To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551. Dignified and professional services entrusted to BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME.

Visitation

Wednesday, March 15, 2017 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States