Mike "Pig Pen" Cummins

U.S. Marine, Law Enforcement Officer, Tireless Volunteer, Devoted Husband, Stalwart Father.

U.S.M.C.

Born in Madisonville, Kentucky and raised in Buras, Louisiana, Mike joined the Marine Corps at 17 and soon found himself in the jungles of Vietnam.

9th Engineers

As an engineer he helped to build roads and bridges, cleared minefields and tunnels and provided security. It was in the course of these duties that he earned his purple heart.

Police Officer

He met his wife as a police officer in Lombard, Illinois. They had two children and moved to South Florida where he served with Metro Dade until he retired. Before he retired he bought a 45� Coronado Sloop. The family would spend many years sailing the Bahamas.

Yacht Captain

After earning his Captain's license, Mike and Joyce worked as a yacht charter team for many years. They met a great many interesting characters and collected many fascinating tales.

Leathernecks

They eventually returned to shore and settled down. Having ridden motorcycles his entire life, Mike started riding with the Leathernecks. He spent the remainder of his life helping his brothers and pursuing noble causes.

 

The Story behind "Pig Pen"

The moniker was earned in Marine Corps boot camp during a company inspection. The Drill instructor was going down the line inspecting bunks, lockers and Marines. Everything was perfect until he got to Mike's locker. He opened it up. It too was perfect, because all the extra crap he had collected was stuffed into the empty locker no one was using. The Drill Instructor wouldn't inspect an empty locker, would he?

He almost didn't, but before her turned to leave, he did. "WHO'S FUCKING PIG PEN IS THIS!??!", he challenged.

The nickname travelled with him to Vietnam and when the Leathernecks heard the story over beers one night, a biker's road-name was born.

 

Funeral Services

Mike Cummins will be laid to rest in the VA National Cemetery at Lake Worth with full military honors and color guard.

Where:

Tillman Funeral Home

  • Say goodbye to Mike and offer condolences to the family.
  • Closed Casket. Everyone is welcome.
  • Departing escort provided by the Leathernecks MC.
  • 2170 South Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida 33415
  • Click Here for Directions

National Cemetery

  • Full military honors and color guard.
  • Everyone is welcome.
  • 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449
  • Click Here for Directions

Celebration of Life

  • Friends and family will be gathering informally afterwards.
  • Picnic at Mike and Joyce's house.
  • Share stories and celebrate the life of our friend and mentor.

When:

  • Friday, March 18th, 2016
  • Funeral Home: 1030 - 1230 hrs
  • Funeral Procession: 1230 - 1300 hrs
  • National Cemetery: 1345 - 1415 hrs
  • Celebration of Life: 1500 hrs +

Gallery

Here are a few memories that we'd like to share with you.

  • All
  • The Marine
  • The Officer
  • The Captain
  • The Leatherneck
  • Husband, Father, Grandpa
The Leatherneck ...on the road again.
The Marine ...fresh from the Louisiana Bayou
The Captain ...on the Lake of the Ozarks with his grandson
Husband, Father, Grandpa ...the entire family here in South Florida
The Leatherneck ...a grunt and his hog
The Marine ...representing the 9th Engineers in Company D
The Captain ...he called her his 'Angel'
Husband, Father, Grandpa ...a Dad and his Daughter
The Leatherneck ...laying 'Wreaths Across America'
The Marine ...having a cold one in Chu Lai, Vietnam.
The Captain ...sailing the Sloop, 'Tattoo'
Husband, Father, Grandpa ...Grandpa rides with his Grandson.
The Leatherneck ...posing with the Leathernecks
The Marine ...at the reunion in D.C. with his fellow Engineers.
The Captain ...looks like we're having lobster for dinner!
Husband, Father, Grandpa ...Joyce, his soul mate.
The Leatherneck ...riding The Dragon with the Leathernecks.
The Marine ...photoshopped into a set of dress blues.
The Captain ...the Captain and his First Mate.
Husband, Father, Grandpa ...having lunch with his son.
The Officer ...who's the man? I'm the man.
The Captain ...you've got to clean the conch, mon.
Husband, Father, Grandpa ...officiating at his son's wedding - he's a Captain at sea!
The Leatherneck ...it wasn't all work and no play.
The Officer ...visiting Dinner Key.
The Captain ...the shirt reads, 'Captain SIR!'
The Leatherneck ...laying wreaths every year for the fallen
Husband, Father, Grandpa ...and BROTHER!
The Captain ...son of a son of a sailor
Husband, Father, Grandpa ...getting ready for a ride with his grandson.
The Leatherneck ...Mike ran into Allen West a number of times. Another great guy.
Husband, Father, Grandpa ...with his new son-in-law.
The Captain ...That's Mike on deck, anchored in the Exumas.
Husband, Father, Grandpa ...at times he referred to his son as 'my kid, the squid'.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, the Cummins family would prefer that you donate to either of the charities that were near and dear to Mike Cummins' heart.

The Semper Fi Fund

Support Heroes

Your donation provides immediate financial assistance and support to post-9/11 wounded, critically ill and injured members of all branches of the US armed forces.

This charity has an extremely low admin overhead and the highest of possible ratings from CharityWatch and Charity Navigator.

 

The 9th Engineers Scholarship Fund

Support Children

Your check is deposited into the scholarship fund for dependents of Marines who served in the 9th Engineer Battalion.

Mike served with the 9th Engineers in Vietnam and chose to be directly involved in this association for many years. His own grandson received support from this scholarship fund.

  • Website

  • Send a check to:

    Eric L. Kenney, Treasurer, 9th Engineer Batallion Association

    9 East Kennedy St, Sullivan, Illinois 61951

    elk9theg@frontier.com

 

Guestbook

Feel free to sign the guestbook. Thanks for joining with us to celebrate the life of
Mike Cummins: Marine, Officer, Captain, Brother, Father, Grandfather, Beloved Husband.
Your message may be displayed below, but your e-mail address will only be shared with the Cummins Family.


DONALD KELLY

Mike was my Training Officer at the LPD in 1973. I enjoyed being trainerd by a fellow Marine.

Chuck Schuttler

Since 1969 when we became LOMBARD'S FINEST

Happy Trails Mike. See you when I reach that blue beyond.

James L. Mazurek

Lombard Police Department, Lombard, Illinois

At the Lombard P.D. we became very good friends once we both learned that we were Marines. Mike gave us great laughs and always put a smile on our faces. Mike will always be in my thoughts. We are brothers through the U.S.M.C. and law enforcement. Mike will always have a special place in my mind and heart. "Semper Fi" Mike. May you rest in peace because you spent your time in hell. My prayers and thoughts go out to Joyce and the entire Cummins family. Mike was a great person. Mike will never be gone as long as we keep him in our minds!

Dennis Wind

Lombard, IL Police Department

So many memories, so many stories and strangely, all true. From the Main Street riot, to the $5 bribe, to the personal chase, and on and on. We became good friends very quickly to the point that Mike was chosen to be my Son Keith's Godfather as I was chosen to be his son Mike's. I will cherish his memory forever...

Larry Organ

Served together in Vietnam

Joyce so sorry to hear. I love you both.

JoAnn Xtra Biker Gear

We met Pig Pen at Hooters bike night many years ago. He would always come in our shop for a hug and a howdy!

Soor with the winds as you now have your wings! Another journey for you to see new things! Watch over us all from high above, and never forget how much you are loved!

Eddie "Prospect Elroy" Sines

Leathernecks MC

It's hard to see you go when we were just getting to know each other. You've done a lot for me and I thank you for that. Rest easy Pigpen. Semper Fidelis Brother!

Gus & Barb, Friend

Leather Crafter – Event Vendor

The friendship with Mike began at an event. Shortly after I was inviter to their home for beers and snacks, Mike mentioned other Veterans would be in attendance. Once we settled on the where and when he closed with, “and don’t forget to bring you sewing machine. We miss or friend…Condolences to the family…My machine misses his vest already.

Martha Clyburn Lang

cousin. I'm his Aunt Robbie ' s daughter

Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories. In honor of Mike I will be playing the piano when I accompany a group of local Veterans to Veteran Homes

Laura Ulrich (Breeze)

Meet Mike when John (Frenchie) joined the Leathernecks.

My deepest sympathy to Mike's family. Although I only knew Pig Pen for just a couple of years, I quickly saw how supportive he was to his "brothers". It was always nice to see him, every time I saw him I would get a welcoming hug and a compliment that always made me smile. RIP Pig Pen you will be missed and remembered fondly.

SgtMaj (ret) Steve Unik (OneShot)

USMC & M/C BROTHERHOOD

Until we ride/fight again. . . .

Jerry O'Hare

Leathernecks

Until we ride again brother. RIP To MIke's family, I don't need to tell you how special he was. He was always ready to help a friend. He was a special guy. His friendship will be missed.

Linda Strauch

My niece Wendy is married to his son Michael

I got to know captain Mike a little during our combined family vacation in Carolina some years ago. He was a caring funny man. My condolences to his family. He will be sorely missed, but remembered with great love.

Lisa Morley

As the father of a wonderful son

This is not goodbye - Death is no more the end of life, than the horizon is the end of the ocean. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Treasure every memory - remember the love as you honor the man.

Herb Shaw

9th Engineer Bn. Association

Mike will be missed by those in our Association. Mike and Michael Jr. has done so much for us. You are mourning the loss of a husband and father we are mourning the loss of a good friend and fellow Marine. God Bless

Luke Clyburn

Cousin

Mike will be missed by many.

Norman (Mickey) Ryan

9th Engineers

He was in 2nd Platoon and I was in 3rd Platoon and we would meet as the minesweeps met. We swept for mines going South on Rt. 1 and they swept North. We both served at Ca-lu, near Khe Sahn, and at Hill 63 (LZ-Baldy). It was a privilege to serve with such good men.

Hal Ruffner

Motorcycle Partner Metro-Dade Police.

God bless you Mike. You were a good friend and partner. My condolences to Joyce and family.

Lugan

Leathernecks

Enjoyed riding and hanging out with you Brother. I know you are in the Better Place. You will be remembered.

Richard J Toce

Never met Mike although I was with "B" Co 9th Engineers, 67,68 and 69

My condolences and prayers go out to Mike's entire family. SEMPER FI Once a Marine always a Marine

Gunny

He was My Daddy

Thank You My Brother for giving me that sheet of paper on that rainy afternoon. You changed my Life and we rode All over Florida together from that day on. You will be Missed My Friend but Never Forgotten. I Remain, " Semper Fidelis " God Bless Marine !

Norman (Butch) and Elena (Mom II) Madara

His son Michael married our daughter, Wendy in 2000

We met Mike when our daughter married his son in 2000. We always knew him as a loving, caring, generous man with a delightful sense of humor. He will be missed.

Larry "Frenchy" Roberge and Sue Roberge

We met Mike at the 2006 Savannah,GA, 9th engineer battalion reunion. We are a band of brothers. Rest in peace.

may you all treasure the memories that you had, he is watching over you

Michael "Meatloaf" McLaughlin

He was the man that showed me the ropes when I joined the club. he was a mentor and a friend

If there's anything that we can do for the family please don't hesitate to call

James Sacks

Met Mike 20 years ago in Chub Key. Hundreds of stories since. Some of the stories I can even talk about in mixed company but, "Not Many".

My thoughts go out to the entire Cummins Clan.

Michael F. Pehrson

We served in Viet Nam together with Company "D" 9th Engineer Battalion

One of the most decent, honorable men I have ever known and served with. I am fortunate that many years later, we were able to renew our friendship. Joyce, you and your family are in Ginny and my thoughts and prayers. A special person has gone to be with God. I am blessed to have known him . Semper Fi

John & Donna Longino

Capt. Mike was one of my best friends for 32 years

Joyce, Michael, Evelyn, I am so sad to learn of the passing of my great friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers from here in Istanbul.