Michael Christopher Telker, age 67, of Charleston, Missouri, passed away at 7:25 a.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Southeast Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  He was born April 11, 1956, at St. Mary's Hospital in Cairo, Illinois, to Dolores M. Atkins Telker of Charleston and the late Joseph H. Telker.

Michael attended St. Henry Elementary School in Charleston and graduated from Charleston High School.  He was also a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  He was employed by Refresco in Sikeston and enjoyed his extensive collection of cinematic memorabilia.

Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife, Patricia McLemore Telker of the home; son, Christopher Gilomen Telker; stepchild Katrina Soltysiak Bridges; one sister, Patricia Telker (Dan) Dimoush; one brother, Joseph W. (Russell) Telker-Hernandez; grandson, Blake Gilomen Telker; step grandchildren, Cameron Fisher, Layla Bridges, Terri Bridges, Keith Cumpton, and Drew Cumpton; two aunts, Frances Telker and Carolyn Telker; many loved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his father, Michael was preceded in death by his stepson, Terry Cumpton; paternal grandparents, William R. Telker and Margaret Telker; and maternal grandparents, Wesley D. Atkins and Marie Atkins.

Viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.  A prayer service will immediately follow at 6 p.m., led by Father David Dohogne of St. Henry Catholic Church in Charleston.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 13, at 1 p.m. at H.S. Smith Funeral Home in Caruthersville, Missouri, with Rev. Jim Pilcher officiating.

Interment will follow in Maple Cemetery near Caruthersville, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Cameron Fisher, Keith Cumpton, Boe Bridges, David Telker, Josh Medlock, Gary Lynn Poyner, Ben Oliver, and Andy Bryant.