John L. Pike

NEW PALESTINE– John L. Pike, age 90, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 17, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 9, 1919, in Indianapolis, to Louis and Ruth Stacey Pike. He was a 1938 graduate of Shortridge High School. During and following World War II, John served in the Army Air Force and the Counter Intelligence Corp. in the post-war era. While on a military plane to Germany, John offered a cup of coffee to a beautiful young civilian War Department employee named Eleanor H. Welsch, who became his bride on April 13, 1947, in Berlin, Germany. Mr. & Mrs. Pike traveled extensively in Europe before returning to the States. John retired in 1981 from Chrysler Corporation. After his retirement, he and Ellie traveled throughout the United States in their motor home. Although he enjoyed traveling, John loved the Lord, his family, and his precious dogs. John was active in the Sea Scouts and Boy Scouts of America and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Greenfield, the Philatelic Stamp Club, and the Museum of Miniature Houses in Carmel. Surviving him are his wife of 63 years, Eleanor H. Pike; brother, Robert O. (Mary) Pike of Lawrence; son, John Scott (Jacqualine) Pike of Indianapolis; daughters, Cheryl L. (Greg) Holbrook of Scottsdale, AZ, and Nancy L. (Ronald) Harris of Beech Grove; eight grandchildren, Matthew and Spencer Harris of Beech Grove, Indiana, Jeremy Louis (Christa) Pike of Greenfield, Indiana, Scott and Stacey Holbrook of Scottsdale, Arizona, John Ryan and Quinten Pike of Indianapolis, and Aaron J. Pike of Bloomington, Indiana; and one great-granddaughter, Airen Pike of Bloomington, Indiana. Preceding him in death were his twin brother, George Albert Pike; and sons, John Louis Pike, Jr. and Jeffrey Louis Pike. Funeral services will take place at First Presbyterian Church in Greenfield on Sunday, November 22, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. with calling for two hours prior to the service. The family praises and thanks Community East Hospice and St. Vincent’s Hospice for their endless support and service during John’s illness. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Greenfield or the Salvation Army. Friends may send online condolences at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email sympathy@erleweinmortuary.com.

John L. Pike

November 9, 1919 - November 17, 2009