YATES CENTER — Carl Michael Shay Sr., 75, of Yates Center, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, at his home. Mike was born on Oct. 25, 1949, in Neodesha, the son of Warren William and Frankie (Parks) Shay.
After high school, Mike attended design drafting school and was then drafted into the U.S. Army. Mike was shipped overseas and served until he received his honorable discharge. Mike married Eva Collins, and they had two sons, Mike and Eva were married for 54 years and later divorced.
Mike worked for Custom Signals in Chanute for 30 years as a design draftsman. He enjoyed helping friends with feeding animals and or taking care of their land. In his free time, Mike enjoyed going fishing, listening to music, spending time with his siblings, and loving his grandchildren.
Survivors include: two sons: Carl Shay of Manor, Texas, and Kevin Shay of Altoona; sister: Linda Crain of Fredonia; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren Mike was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Bob, George, Bud, Frankie, Merdene, Isabell, Nellie and Middy.
Cremation has been requested, a graveside service with military honors was held on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 1 p.m. at the Altoona Cemetery. Memorials have been suggested to the American Cancer Society and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS, 66736.
