Robert E. Fike

ROBERT E. FIKE – Madison, Ohio Robert E. Fike, 88 of Madison died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Thursday January 29th. He was born on March 14th, 1926 in Dearth, PA., the son of James and Oma Fike. Married to his loving wife Nettie of Listie, PA. on July 31, 1948, they moved to Painesville, Ohio in 1950 and eventually to Madison in 1956 where Bob purchased, then cleared the land by hand building his home were they currently reside. He began working for Diamond Alkali, and then for Naugatuck Chemical in Fairport Harbor, which later became the Uniroyal Chemical Company, retiring in 1986 after 34 1/2 years of loyal employment. Mr. Fike was an active member of the Antique Automobile Association, building numerous "National Champion" vehicles over the years, and was also an active member of the Antique Automobile Racing Association. He is one of the original co-founders of the Madison Old Fashioned Days, and his 1926 Ford Model "T" was the first antique car to be raffled off at this event. An avid antique midget race car driver, together with Nettie, the couple traveled cross country in their motor home pulling his 1943 Pop Dryer Midget racer. He competed with his friends and fellow race car enthusiasts at race tracks and fairgrounds across the U.S. for many years before finally settling down to enjoy his hobby of restoring modern and antique cars alike. Bob was a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran of WWII, serving in Europe with the A Co. 36th Infantry Division, a Lifetime Charter Member of the Madison VFW Post 8548, and the American Legion Jay Wilson Post 112. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star, the U.S. Army Occupational Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, The WWII Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Good Conduct Medal. Bob and Nettie have been members of the North Madison Church of Christ, now New Day Christian Church, for over 45 years. He is survived by his wife Nettie, his two sons Roger (Maggie) and Richard (Linda) both of Madison, four grandchildren, Matt Fike of Painesville, Leah (Paul) Turner of Madison, Richard Fike Jr., of Charlotte, NC, and Sara (Kristopher) Lashley of Madison; and three great grandchildren, Lydia and Elizabeth Turner and Luke Lashley all of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Oma Fike, brothers Foster, Paul, and sisters Jean and Vallee. His first son Phillip "Buddy" Fike, died in 1969 while serving with the U.S. Air Force. Bob truly represented America's best. He was a patriot, a loving husband and Father who possessed great faith and attempted to live his life by the Ten Commandments. Friends will be received from 2 – 5 pm on Sunday Feb. 1st 2015 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison Village. Funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday Feb. 2, 2015 at Behms. Pastor Michael Rice of the New Day Christian Church will officiate. Burial will take place at Fairview Memorial Park. THE BEHM FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 26 River St., Madison is handling arrangements. www.behmfuneral.com