Michael C. McBride, also known as Mac, a name he brought home with him from Vietnam, passed away peacefully on Aug. 20, 2023, at his home in Rosebud.
He was born on Feb. 16, 1947, to Kenneth and Peggy (Alexander) McBride in Saint Louis. Michael was a man of many talents and interests, whose life was marked by service, dedication, and a love for his family.
Michael grew up and attended school in Decatur, Ga., where he graduated from Avondale High School. He began his working life at American Airlines, but soon felt the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in administrative roles in New York and Germany. After his discharge, he relocated to Sullivan, where his family had moved. Not long after, Michael re-enlisted and served in combat during the Vietnam War.
Upon his return from service, Michael married, Barbara Mitchell, July 28, 1973. Their union was blessed with three children: Matthew, Rayna and James. Mac and Barbara raised their family together in Canaan, and made their final home in Rosebud. During this time, Michael worked at Ozark Airlines and TWA for 14 years and worked in various roles while employed there.
Unhappy with the TWA transition, Michael embarked on a new career as an over-the-road truck driver. He spent over a decade traveling the highways of the United States, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. It was important to him to have an employer that allowed for him to bring his children and wife along. He often took his children on these trips, showing them the beauty of the United States. Traveling with his wife, Barb, was a particular joy for him.
Michael was a man of varied interests. He was an avid reader with a love for history and a remarkable memory for numbers and dates. He enjoyed spending time with his children at the Owensville pool or camping and fishing at the river. He enjoyed playing chess and backgammon and teaching his children and all four grandsons how to play as well. Despite being a quiet individual, his love for his family was evident in these shared moments. Michael especially loved his grandchildren and took great pride in them.
An outdoorsman at heart, Michael loved hunting, fishing, and firearms. Before moving to Decatur at age 10, Michael enjoyed spending summers at his grandparents, Roy and Rose Alexander’s farm. He affectionally gave his grandmother Rose the nickname, “Grandma Bourbon.”
He was also a major Star Trek fan, and took great pride in his passion for cultivating cannabis. Michael was self-taught and enjoyed perfecting his product. He will be so dearly missed by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by parents, Kenneth and Peggy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara of Rosebud; his wonderful children, Matthew McBride and wife AnnaMaria, Rayna Periman and husband James of Bonne Terre, and James McBride and wife Ashley of Canaan; grandsons, Nicholas, Dylan, Christian and Zechariah McBride; great-granddaughter, Blaire McBride; brother, Brad McBride and wife Joyce of Jadwin; plus other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m.–12 p.m., at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with funeral services following at 12 p.m. with John Blackmore officiating. Interment will follow at Crossroads Cemetery with full military honors.
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.
