Michael Paul Forbes

Michael Paul Forbes of Scottsdale, AZ, formerly of Marion, IL, passed away on Monday, June 24, while in Dubai, United Arab Emirates en route to a long-awaited safari trip in Africa.  He was 66 years old. Mr. Forbes was born in Marion on December 18, 1946, to Paul and Ella Mildred (Cox) Forbes.  He graduated from Marion High School in 1964, where he was an active member of the basketball, track, and football teams.  He was the center/nose guard on Marion's undefeated 1963 football squad and held the school's shot put record for more than 25 years.  He attended Murray State University, graduating in 1968.  While a student at Murray State, he met Dana Ann Dycus of Paducah, KY, whom he married on August 6, 1967.  Together they enjoyed nearly 46 years of marriage. Mr. Forbes was a teacher in the Marion Unit 2 School District for 32 years and coached the Marion High School girls’ softball team for several years prior to his retirement.  In addition to his teaching career, he was hired in 1973 on behalf of the city of Metropolis, IL, to portray the character of Superman in numerous public appearances.  Until his death, he was still known to many as "Superman." Since retiring from teaching, he and Dana have enjoyed traveling both nationally and internationally, including trips to Alaska, Australia, Italy, and Egypt. In addition to his wife, Mr. Forbes is survived by his son Scott and daughter-in-law Therese Connor of Seattle, WA; his daughter Karina and son-in-law Brad Bohn of Scottsdale, AZ; and grandson Cade Michael Bohn and granddaughter Carson Ella Bohn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Forbes and Mildred Milligan, step-father Emery Milligan, and step-brother Gary Milligan. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM-2:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home.