Michael J. Mankin (74) of Sacramento, CA

Michael J. Mankin, 74, of Sacramento, California, passed away on February 2nd, 2023, at Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento.

In accordance with Michael's wishes, he will be buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Effingham, IL, next to his parents’ final resting place. A private family burial will take place with no visitation.

Memorials may be made to Ballard Nature Center, at 5253 East U.S. Highway 40, Altamont, Illinois 62411. Johnson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Michael was born on February 13, 1948, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was the son of Hubert and Ruth Joan Mankin of Effingham, Illinois. He married Millie Bortin on March 27th, 1982, in Kensington, California. He had several loving cats and dogs throughout the years that provided much enjoyment, amusement, and comfort to him. Michael was a remarkable, yet humble man. At 16 months of age, he contracted polio. Although Michael became severely physically disabled, his mind remained strong, and he was gifted in many ways. His mother’s influence was instrumental in helping him establish a strong will to not give up easily. Despite his disabilities, he achieved a successful life and career in architecture. He was funny, charismatic, knowledgeable and enjoyable to be around.

Michael was a licensed architect and worked for the State of California. His area of specialty was disability access in which, at one period of time, he held the role as Chief of Design, and led that department. Throughout his adult life he was an advocate, fighting for access compliance, and the rights of people with disabilities.

When Michael retired in 2009, he enjoyed several hobbies, including extensive research about his family’s genealogy. He was also considered an expert in the identification of European heraldic harness pendants that had fallen off horses during medieval battles centuries ago. He knew how to connect those pendants to their place in history. Michael shared his knowledge freely and eventually was named a Finds Advisor for the British Museum.

He enjoyed studying nostalgic items of historic interest. Because his father was a career railroad worker, Michael was fascinated with trains and railroad memorabilia.

Michael will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Michael is survived by his wife, Millie of Sacramento, California; sister, Marcia Dow of Hobart, Indiana; and brother, Mark (wife Connie) of Altamont, Illinois. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert L. and Ruth Joan Mankin of Effingham, Illinois; and brother-in-law, Fred Dow of Hobart, Indiana.