Michael Charles Blome, known to most as Mike, passed away on May 8, 2026, at the age of 76. If you knew Mike, you know he wouldn't want a stiff or somber tribute—he'd much prefer a good story, a laugh, and maybe a look at his latest "off-color" t-shirt.

A Life of Service and Stories

Born in Belleville, Illinois, in 1949, Mike moved through Indiana as a child before settling in central Arkansas where he graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1969 and stayed for the rest of his life. He was a proud Marine who served during the Vietnam War, and he carried that sense of dedication into his long career with the United States Post Office. But even with his service history, Mike was best known as the family clown. He was a natural storyteller who could take over a room, usually while wearing a shirt that made you double-take. When folks asked where he got his more colorful shirts, he'd always grin and say they were gifts from his mother, Ann—and the best part was, he wasn't kidding.

Simple Joys and Open Roads

Mike was a "momma's boy" in the best way. He spent almost every day off over at his mom's place, cooking for her and catching up on whatever was on TV. He didn't have children of his own, but his dogs were his kids, and they were lucky to have him. When he wasn't home with family or his pups, Mike loved the freedom of the western states. He was fascinated by ghost towns, national parks, and the history of the rails—especially the Silverton narrow-gauge railroad. Back home, you could usually find him checking his coin collection or watching a game on TV; he was a fan of sports at every level and rarely missed a chance to cheer on his teams.

Remembering Mike

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Annalee "Ann" Stephens and his dad C.N. "Steve" Stephens, both Jacksonville Arkansas. He leaves behind a family that will always remember his cooking, his humor, and his unwavering presence - his sisters, Vicki Jellie of Carthage, NY and Sandy Head (Ron) of Jacksonville, Ar. Also by 4 nephews, Stephen "Steve" Jellie (Mary), Jason Jellie (Becca), Scott Head (Christy), and 1 niece, Jennifer Donahue, 6 great nephews, Kaleb Head, Hayden Donahue, Joshua Head, all of Jacksonville, AR, Alexander Jett Jellie, of John's Creek, GA,Gabriel James Jellie, Theodore Martin Jellie of Piercefield, NY, 3 great nieces, Felicity Donahue and Emma Seigrist of Jacksonville, AR, Elin Kate Jellie of John's Creek, GA, and 2 great great nieces, Alaska Nicole Seigrist and Oakley Dianne Seigrist of Jacksonville, AR.

We're going to celebrate Mike's life with a gathering that we hope is as lively as he was. In his honor, please wear your favorite sports jersey or a shirt that would have made him laugh.