{"id":49539,"date":"2026-10-19T09:30:46","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T14:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thexradio.com\/news\/?p=49539"},"modified":"2026-10-20T11:01:52","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T16:01:52","slug":"michael-clagg-76-of-altamont","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thexradio.com\/news\/obits\/49539-michael-clagg-76-of-altamont\/","title":{"rendered":"Michael Clagg (76) of Altamont"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"pdfprnt-buttons pdfprnt-buttons-post pdfprnt-top-right\"><a href=\"javascript: window.print()\" class=\"pdfprnt-button pdfprnt-button-print\" target=\"_self\" ><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thexradio.com\/news\/wp-content\/plugins\/pdf-print\/images\/print.png\" alt=\"image_print\" title=\"Print Content\" \/><span class=\"pdfprnt-button-title pdfprnt-button-print-title\">Print<\/span><\/a><\/div><p>Michael &#8220;Mike&#8221; Kent Clagg, 76, of Altamont, passed away at 7:57 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a 28-year battle with cancer.<\/p>\n<p>Mike was born on Sunday, January 15, 1950, in Effingham, Illinois, to Charles and Evelyn (Smith) Clagg. He was a graduate of Altamont High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. On September 4, 1971, in Dieterich, Illinois, he married the love of his life, Debra Hall, and they shared 55 years of marriage.<\/p>\n<p>Mike worked as a bindery operator at World Color Press in Effingham for 32 years. In retirement, if he wasn&#8217;t at home, his family knew right where to find him: his &#8220;second home,&#8221; the Ballard Nature Center. There he maintained trails, spread mulch, mowed, built bridges and displays, and took on whatever else was needed. His dedication earned him the Governor&#8217;s Volunteer Service Award in Environmental Conservation in 2010 and the Effingham Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Above all else, Mike was a family man. Family was his whole world, and he gave himself to them completely. Selfless to his core, he was always the first to lend a hand to anyone in need, and never more willingly than for those he loved. He asked for nothing in return, because being there for his family was what mattered most to him. His greatest joy was simply time spent with them, and his grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He loved each one dearly, along with his beloved cats. In his own quiet way, Mike made the world a better place. His legacy will continue to grow, much like the nature he loved, through the family he cherished, the community he served, and the countless footprints he left behind.<\/p>\n<p>He is survived by his wife, Deb Clagg of Altamont; his son Rowdy (Rachael) Clagg of Golden, CO; his daughter Michelle (Travis) Wendling of Altamont; his son Ramie (Katie) Clagg of Dieterich, IL; his brother Shawn (Tammy) Kearney of Altamont; six grandchildren, Mateo, Makenna, Paige, Brock, Raya, and Rowan; Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Michael (Janet) Hall, Leland (Tracy) Hord, Sheri (Doug) Klein and Walter Hall. And many nieces, nephews, and cousins.<\/p>\n<p>He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sharon Kearney.<\/p>\n<p>The family extends special thanks to Dr. Dy and the nurses at the Cancer Center in Effingham, and to the HSHS hospice team for their compassionate care and the VA.<\/p>\n<p>In keeping with Mike&#8217;s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E. US Highway 40, Altamont, IL 62411.<\/p>\n<p>Online condolences may be expressed at www.giesekingfh.net.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Michael &#8220;Mike&#8221; Kent Clagg, 76, of Altamont, passed away at 7:57 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a 28-year battle with cancer. 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