NEW WHITELAND
Vernon S. Zike Sr., 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Friday morning, May 20, 2016, at his residence in New Whiteland, Indiana.
He was born on Aug. 14, 1931, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Cloyd Zike and Mary (Stewart) Copeland.
He married Marjorie Jane (Walters) on Jan. 25, 1950. She preceded him in passing on Aug. 11, 2003.
Vernon is survived by children, Butch (Teresa) Zike of Whiteland, Pam (Bob) McMillin of Franklin, Linda (John) Baker of Brandon, Florida and Jennifer (Jim) Koller of Greenwood. Also surviving are grandchildren, Brian (Kristen) McMillin and Josh (Kari) McMillin, both of Franklin, Jeff (Kylie) Floyd of Apollo Beach, Florida, Nathan (Molly) Floyd of Angola, Bethany (Patrick) Guilfoy, Kylen Mullins and Brock Mullins, all of Greenwood, and Sam (Brittany) Baker of Brandon, Florida; great-grandchildren, Cana Guilfoy, Molly and Callahan McMillin, Norah, Miles and Hank McMillin, Jaxon Floyd and Weston Baker. Also surviving are siblings, Michael Zike of Indianapolis, Francis (Jerry) Coddington of Indianapolis and Jeanie Copeland of Atlanta, Georgia.
He was preceded in passing by his parents; wife, Jane; and siblings, Claude, Pete and Kenneth Zike, Rosemary Chapman and Dorothy Trotter.
He attended George Washington High School.
Vernon was a diesel mechanic. He was employed by Mayflower in Indianapolis and later at McLean Trucking in Indianapolis. He later worked for Yellow Freight, retiring after 32 years of dedicated service.
He was a member of the Teamster Union, Local No. 135.
He was an avid sports spectator, and enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.
On May 17, 2016, Vernon was baptized in the presence of his loving family and friends.
A celebration of Vernon’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 N. Morton St. (U.S. 31 North) in Franklin. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery.
Online condolences may be received at flinnmaguire.net.
