Michael Eager, 72, of Belton, Missouri, passed away on September 20, 2026, at Belton Regional Medical Center, Belton, Missouri.  Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 26,2026 at 12:00PM at the Vansant-Mills Chapel.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 11:00AM to 12:00PM.  Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com .

Micheal E. Eager was born on July 10, 1954 to George F. Eager and Blanche (Campbell) Eager.  He had 13 brothers and sisters, ensuring there was never a dull moment.

He is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Brandy (John) Valentine, granddaughter Kathryn (Spencer) Brinkmeyer,  great granddaughter Ember Brinkmeyer and great grandson Hampton Brinkmeyer.  His sister Margie Maxwell of Canyon, TX and two brothers, James and Richard Eager of Clinton.

He is proceeded in death by his son, Justin Daniel and Grandchildren, Jacob Daniel and Lauren Eager. His parents and siblings: (sisters)  Lavina Sharp, Betty Heimsoth, Ola-Mae Hoover, Donna Stoneking and baby Joyce. (brothers) George, Charlie, Ernie, John and baby Eldon.

In his youth he worked on the family farm and by ten he was delivering the Clinton Democrat an KC Star on his beloved bike.  He hauled hay, had his own crew and best I can tell spent time on half the farms around Clinton.  He worked at Devores DX gas station and McDowell and John's appliances throughout High School, graduating in 1972.

He met the girl of his dreams, Joyce E. Smith in Elementary School and by his Sophomore year had given her a promise ring. With her father's permission, he proposed marriage on her 18th birthday and they married shortly after she graduated in 1973, recently celebrating 53 years together.

After his graduation he went to work for General Motors in 1972.  It wasn't always easy, but he managed to put in 40 years before he retired in 2008.

He was not a man defined by his job though, as he had a zest for life and never put off till tomorrow anything he could do today.  He loved his family and all the friends he'd made over the years. His passions were hunting and fishing with his kids, enjoying the sunsets with mom on the back porch and watching his grandchildren grow up.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, in Clinton, Missouri.