Thomas Michael "Mike" Slaughter (48) of Effingham

Thomas Michael "Mike" Slaughter, 48, of Effingham died early Thursday morning, August 17, 2017.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 21 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the church with a 7:00 p.m. parish prayer service. Memorial donations may be made to St Anthony Schools or the Neoga High School.

Online condolences may be left by clicking here.

Mike was born July 28, 1969 in Mattoon, the son of Phillip and Jane (Peters) Slaughter. He married Jill L. Jansen on July 12, 1997. Mike was a joyous spirit who loved life and, remarkably, shared that love with everyone he met. He was a loyal, kind, and generous friend to many. He loved adventure, from parachuting from a plane to cliff diving to running marathons to bicycling across Iowa. He instilled this sense of adventure and competitiveness in his daughters, the pride and joy of his life. Mike was a dear husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin. His positive presence in their lives will be his enduring legacy. Mike always loved athletics, both as a participant and as a coach. In high school he was active in track, cross country, and tennis, and as an adult golf and running. In 2015, he was the St. Anthony junior high cross country coach, and has been the self-appointed training coach for his daughters, encouraging their athletic endeavors. He contributed mightily to their successes, and no one was prouder than Mike of their accomplishments. Mike's professional career was similarly remarkable in the insurance industry. He developed a highly respected career by designing coverage for his many commercial clients, both large and small. He not only assisted clients with their insurance needs, but also advised on many general business issues. His dynamic personality, tied with his insurance expertise, made him a very special insurance advisor for his many clients. Lastly, Mike was concerned and active in local communities. He was a member of the United Way Board for many years, as well as an active member of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce. In 2009, he was named to the Mattoon listing of the "20 under 40" successful business people.

Mike is survived by his wife, Jill of Effingham; two daughters, Kristin and Katherine, both of Effingham; parents, Phillip (Betty) Slaughter and Jane (Eric) Thomas, both of Mattoon and sister, Sara (Brian) Titus of Neoga.

Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas K. and Helen V. Slaughter, Bernie and Doris Peters and his father-in-law, James “Jim” Jansen.