Michael G. Dilday

Michael Glenn Dilday, affectionately known as Mike, Monkey, Mikey, and Bubby, passed away on September 13, 2026, at the age of 40. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Waldo Avenue Restoration Branch, 819 W Waldo Avenue, Independence, MO 64050. Following the funeral service, there will be a graveside committal service at Six Mile Cemetery in Sibley, MO.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michael Dilday’s memory for his daughter Joey Hirtle and son Hunter Bowlin in care of Janell Dilday or Glenn Dilday. While his loss leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him, his legacy of kindness, laughter, and devotion will live on forever.

Mike was born on July 29, 1986, in Kansas City, Missouri to Glenn Dilday and Janell Dilday. From an early age, Mike’s imagination and gift for storytelling were unmistakable. Family members often laughed about the tall tales he could spin so convincingly that you almost couldn’t help but believe every word. As a child and throughout his life, he spent countless summers at the lake, where he loved driving the boat, skiing, tubing, and helping repair anything that needed fixing. He grew up riding dirtbikes and motorcycles with his friends and family and loved going to the racetrack. He spent nearly every Sunday out on the river during the summer and grew an immense passion over the last several years for riding side by sides. He would go on road trips all over or simply ride backroads. Many people would tell you that Mike was the one person they trusted behind the wheel. You could almost always find Mike working in the shop, because his hobbies consisted of building and fixing things. If Mike wasn’t in the shop, he would be sitting in his chair relaxing and watching movies.

He learned many of his skills from his father and mother, whom he shared a very special, close bond with. He made everyone feel special and so loved, because he loved so fiercely. He always lived life to the fullest. He was adventurous, selfless, courageous, generous, and incredibly smart. Many would say that Mike did not know a stranger. As Mike grew older, his entrepreneurial spirit flourished. Through business ventures with his tree company, trading, buying, and selling, he built success through determination and hard work. Yet, he remained very humble. Mike spent the last couple of months building his dream property, which he was so excited to share with everyone he loved. In just under two months, Mike poured an unbelievable amount of work, energy, and heart into the property with the help of some of his closest buddies and family. He accomplished more in those few weeks than most could ever imagine. He was ecstatic about having a place where friends and family could come together for riding, laughter, late nights, memories, and good times. And that is exactly what he created. He even got to celebrate his 40th birthday there surrounded by the people he loved most. He shared everything he had and would drop everything to help someone he loved in need, because that is exactly who he was. Mike had a strong faith, but especially over this past year. He would pick up the Bible and read it, taking time to explore it and was very intrigued. Eventually, he found that he especially enjoyed watching videos about the Bible on YouTube. He was so proud to be named Michael after the archangel Michael, “God’s warrior”.

Above all else, Mike loved his family, and friends that were like family. His daughter, Joey Hirtle, and his son, Hunter Bowlin, were the pride and joy of his life. He treasured every moment with them, and it meant the world to him to share his favorite hobbies and passions. He loved taking them alongside for all his adventures and loved teaching them life lessons. Mike absolutely adored working alongside his son, weekends with his daughter, and everything in between.

Mike was preceded in death by his stepfather, John Potts; and his grandfathers, Marshall Brooker and Sam Dilday. He is survived by his daughter, Joey Hirtle; son Hunter Bowlin; his father Glenn Dilday (Angela Dilday); his mother, Janell Dilday (Jason Sackman); his grandmothers, Suzi Dilday Gile and Beverley Brooker; his sisters Krystal Morgan and Kaycie Potts (Devin Baxter); his niece Kamryn Williams; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Mike lived more in 40 years than most people do in a lifetime. He lived boldly, loved deeply, and never let fear keep him from pursuing the things that mattered to him. He left an immense impact on so many lives. His circle was big because his heart was big. Mike’s infectious laugh and beautiful smile will be remembered forever.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri