Mickey D. Hacker

CHARLESTON, IL – Mickey Dee Hacker, age 77 of Charleston, passed away at his rural Charleston home on Monday, January 6, 2020.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  The Memorial Service, celebrating his life, will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Ray Finney officiating.  Inurnment will be at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston.  It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to a charity of the donor’s preference.  Gifts may be left at the visitation/service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Mick was born June 26, 1942 in Coles County, Illinois, a son of the late George Dewey and Evelyn Genevieve (Inman) Hacker.  Soon after his graduation from Charleston High School, Mick married Carla (Mullen) Coffey, and they became the parents of a daughter, Dana and son, Edmund.    Mick is survived by his daughter, Dana Benge and husband Scott of Charleston; three grandchildren, Michael Davison and wife Hou of China, Nikolas Tadic currently of Charleston but will soon be relocating to South Korea; and Taylor Olivia Benge of Charleston and currently a student at the University of Illinois; a great-grandchild, Xiyao Davison; and nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Mick was preceded in death by his son, Edmund Hacker; and three brothers, Robert E. Hacker, Jay D. Hacker and Dewey Jene Hacker.

Prior to becoming a licensed insurance agent, Mick was the “Sunbeam Bread Man” and enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures driving a bread truck.  He then went to work for Prudential Insurance Company in Mattoon before opening Hacker Insurance Agency in Charleston, a business he would own and operate for 40 years.  Mick was a longtime member of the Charleston First Baptist Church but attended Home Church in Charleston.  He was a member of fraternal organizations such as Charleston Moose Lodge #1377; the Charleston Elks Lodge, B.P.O.E. #623; and the Mattoon Eagles Club.  He was also a volunteer firefighter and served as Fire Chief for the Lincoln Fire Protection District.  Mick’s sense of humor often left you wondering if he was telling the truth or just feeding you a line – for instance is there really a Turtle Club or Coles County Wooly Worm Crossing Guard?  He claimed to have membership and participate in both.  More recently, Mickey had truly been enjoying the comradeship of his many friends at the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592. 

Mick was a gardener and enjoyed cooking, grilling out, and making Christmas candies.  He could do anything he set his mind to and was often heard whistling a familiar tune or singing while he worked.  In the summer, Mick’s pool was his retreat, where he could sit for hours and watch all the animals and appreciate nature’s beauty.  Whatever he was doing he was sure to be accompanied by his little Yorkie and best friend, JR.   He served as a role model for daughter, Dana as well as others, by being an honest businessman who embraced the value and importance of honesty and integrity.   Mick was opinionated, had a tendency to possess a stubborn streak and didn’t believe in worrying.  He was strong in character and dependable and will be missed by his many friends and loving family. 

FUNERAL SERVICE 
The funeral service celebrating the life of Mickey Hacker was held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Adams Funeral Chapel with Pastor Ray Finney officiating.  Eulogies were given by Mick's daughter, Dana Benge and granddaughter, Olivia Benge who read "Remembrances of Grandpa" written by grandson, Michael Davison.  Musical selections included "Lara's Theme", "Victory in Jesus", "One Pair of Hands" and "Happy Trails".  Inurnment followed at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston.

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