SP4 Michael Edward Mullens, 70, passed away on October 16, 2024.

Michael (Mike) was born on November 13, 1953, in Jacksonville, Illinois to Mary Margaret Fanning-Mullens-Thomas & Charles Eugene Mullens.

Mike joined the United States Army on October 29, 1974. He served until being honorably discharged on October 28, 1977, with the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Army's 82nd Airborne Division specializes in joint forcible entry operations. Mike carried three titles including Tow Gunner, Paratrooper, and Infantry. He was stationed in the Middle East in 1977.

Mike was featured in Times Magazine in an interview with Barbara Walters in 1977, for his responsibilities/duties in 82nd airborne, specifically the position of a Tow Gunner. A Tow Gunner is a soldier who operates the M220E4 TOW2 Weapon System to provide anti-armor fire in support of infantry, tank, and LAR battalions.

Mike is preceded in death by his wife, Donna Mullens. He is survived by his two children, Rhonda Chavez (Juan Chavez) and Jason Mullens. He is "Papa" to 5 grandchildren Alex Hernandez, Mercedes Carter (Logan Carter), Tanner Mullens, Cruz Chavez, and Payton Mullens; 3 great-grandchildren Olin Carter, Otto Carter, and Maricruz Carter; Mike is preceded by his brother Ronald Lee Fanning Sr., Richard Eugene Mullens, and sister Pamela Ann Mullens-Staats and survived by his sister Barbara Gail Mullens Prather (Steven Prather).

Graveside Services: Friday October 25, 2024, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Road, Springfield, IL. The funeral procession will be led by the Patriot Guard Riders into Camp Butler National Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. SP4 Mullens will receive Military Funeral Honors, including a three volley rifle salute, folding of the flag, talking points, and the bugle will play Taps. Minister Mark Estrop will officiate the service following the Military Honors.