Michael Paul Woods, 39, of Keenes, IL passed away on December 30, 2025 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.  Michael was born on July 16, 1986 in Mt. Vernon, IL to Robert W. Woods & Tamara (Swank) Woods.

Michael had worked as a cook at the Skillet Fork Grill in Orchardville, IL; and at Denny’s and Applebee’s in Mt. Vernon, IL.  He had attended Victory Christian Center in Mt. Vernon and was baptized there.

He enjoyed cooking, fishing, hunting, listening to music, and playing piano.  He also enjoyed helping out his grandparents around the house and helping them with yardwork.

Michael is survived by his father Robert Wayne Woods, his step-mother Lesa Woods, his mother Tamara Woods, his son Brayden Woods, his grandparents Robert T. Woods & Dixie Woods, 2 brothers: Jason Woods and Jeremy (Lisa) Woods, his sister Rachel (Jeff) Watson; 2 step-brothers: Joey Darnell and David King; 3 step-sisters: Emilee Jones, Kristin Crain, and Jennifer Volkman, and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents.

A graveside memorial service for Michael Paul Woods will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Garrison Temple Cemetery near Keenes, IL with Rev. Jeremy Woods officiating.  Those attending are asked to meet directly at the cemetery.

Memorial donations to assist with final expenses may be made to Young Funeral Home and will be accepted at the graveside service or at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City, IL.  Online condolences, memories, and words of encouragement may be shared at www.youngfuneralhomellc.com.