Neil E. 'Ike' Ikerd died in Newton, Kansas on February 25, 1996.
Born in Kiowa, Kansas on December 31, 1909, Neil moved to Hutchinson with his parents in 1924 where he worked at a variety of jobs. He married Margaret Adams on February 15, 1942 at the E.U.B. Church in Hutchinson. Neil moved his young family to Lyons in 1944 where he established Lyons Radiator Service. In 1946 the family moved to Newton where Neil started Newton Radiator Service at 208 W. 6th. In the 50s Neil sponsored local basketball teams at the YMCA, a race car at Newton Raceway, and volunteered with Boy Scouts Troop 115. After selling his business in 1965 Neil continued repairing radiators as an employee at Holstine Chevrolet and Unruh Service. He later worked as a welder at Foreman Mfg. until he retired in 1973. Neil loved to work and most of his retirement years were spent doing lawn mower repair and custodial jobs. He also spent many hours tending his garden each summer.
Neil and Margaret served faithfully at the Church of the Nazarene for over 50 years. Neil served in the U. S. Army Cavalry, E Company, from 1927 to 1938, advancing to the rank of Master Sgt. in the last horse brigade at Fort Riley. In spite of being totally deaf since age 46, Neil was known by family and friends as a jovial man who found humor in almost every situation. Even during his last days he brought laughter to his home where Neil was surrounded by his family.
Neil is survived by Margaret, his wife of 54 years; his children and their spouses; Phyllis Salesman of Ellenwood, GA; Ben and Pattie Ikerd of Seward, Alaska; Linda and Dean Koppes of Newton; Loren and Francine Ikerd of Aurora, CO; Marcia and Phil Taylor of Oklahoma City; David and Lynette Ikerd of Roseville, CA; 23 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.
The memorial service will be at 1 p. m. Tuesday at the First Church of the Nazarene in Newton. Private burial services will be in Fairview Cemetery in St. John, KS. Friends may sign a book from 1 to 9 p. m. Monday and 9 to 11 a. m. Tuesday at the Broadway Colonial Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to Mid-America Nazarene College or Meals on Wheels in care of the funeral home.
