Michael E. Province, 72, of Panama, died at 2:32 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
The family will receive guests from 10 a.m. until the time of ceremony at noon on Monday, March 6, at the Panama Methodist Church, located at 203 Cleveland Ave. in Panama, with Pastor Ray Snider officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow the ceremony at Union Cemetery in Panama. Cremation will be accorded prior to ceremonies. Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Panama is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mr. Province was born on April 4, 1950, in Granite City, the son of Marles E. and Julia T. (Veres) Province. He married Laura Lynn Cruthis on March 28, 1969, at the Assembly of God in Sorento, and they enjoyed nearly 54 years of marriage.
Mr. Province graduated from Hillsboro High School with the Class of 1968, and was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served our country during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge, he went to work for Cassens Transport, as many other men in Panama did. Mr. Province loved his job so much that he never missed a day of work in his career, and eventually retired after 35 years of service. He attended Panama Methodist Church, was a lifetime member of the Panama V.F.W. where he once served as commander. Mr. Province was also a past member of the Sorento American Legion. He was an avid St. Louis Blues hockey and St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, as well as the Fighting Illini. He enjoyed fishing, especially for bass. Mr. Province loved his dogs, and he loved the time spent with family reminiscing and telling stories.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Province is survived by his children, Neil (wife, Jaime) Province of Panama, Craig (Angela Boide) Province of Hillsboro and Rachel Province of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Jacob (wife, Sara) Province, Natalie Province, Amanda Kunkel, Jack Province and Anna Province; sister, Barbara (husband, Joe) DiDonato of Slidell, LA; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ron West.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Panama Methodist Church, 203 Cleveland Ave., Panama, IL 62077, or Union Cemetery Association, PO Box 760, Panama, IL 62077. Condolences may be left online at assalleyfuneralhomes.com.
