Michael L. Mcnames

Michael L. McNames - Dedicated husband, father and stepfather, grandfather of six, and friend of many. He passed away suddenly from a heart attack on October 27, 2022, at the age of 70.

Michael was born in Rockford, Illinois on November 22, 1951, and graduated from Byron High School. He worked at Badger Pipeline Company. Before he retired after 28 years, he met the love of his life, Kristine A. Meyer, and they moved to Freeport. Married in 1994, they enjoyed living on the farm that Kris grew up on when she was a child. Michael then worked at Stephenson County Farm Services (FS), and at Freeport Park District. He and his wife also raised Gray Percherons, and ran Classy Carriage Service, doing many weddings and parades. He was a member of the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club and was instrumental in bringing the Draft Horse Show back to the Stephenson County Fair. He was a stranger to no one and found great purpose in sharing the successes, joys, and challenges of those around him.

In 2014, he pursued a quieter life closer to nature in the ‘the hills of Tennessee’ where he and Kris enjoyed life in Culleoka, TN. He could be found mowing grass on his tractor, checking on his horses and Longhorns. He enjoyed, fishing in his pond, watching old movies, hunting, and talking to his daughter Jennifer on the phone. He was often seen riding around the countryside with his mom, Bonnie.

Michael is survived by his lovely wife Kris, his daughter Jennifer McNames Taylor; his stepson Christopher (Christiana) Ekberg; and his six grandchildren, Brenden Taylor, Alexander Easton, Michelle Easton, Zachary Easton, Christian Ekberg, Owen Ekberg, his mother Bonnie McNames. And many cousins.

He was predeceased in death by his father, Elmer McNames, sister, Ann ‘Peach’ Hamilton, father, and mother, Lewis and Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Meyer, and sister-in-law, Barb Meyer.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Freeport IL.