John L. Hilkene, 76, of Fairland, passed away Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Ashford Place.

Born March 5, 1945 in Indianapolis, he was the son of Forrest Hilkene and Alta (Theobald) Stevens.  He married Helen (Lawrence) Hilkene on December 28, 1980, and she survives.

Other survivors include 3 daughters- Paula Weaver (husband EJ) of Georgia, Pam Murphy (husband Mark) of Florida, Myrical Feely (husband Brian) of Indianapolis; 2 sisters- Jean Lance of New York, Jodi Ingels (husband Bud) of Shelbyville; 7 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Larry Hilkene, and Ken "Butch" Hilkene; sisters Jerri Wessell, and Janet Hilkene.

Mr. Hilkene was a lifelong resident of this area, and graduated from Shelbyville High School in1963.  He was a heavy equipment operator with Local #103 out of Indianapolis, retiring after over 50 years of service.  He was a member of Northwood Christian Church, American Legion Post #70, VFW, St. Joe Social Club, Shelby Seniors, Eagles Lodge, and the American Legion Memorial Squad.  He was a US Navy Seabee, serving 2 tours in Vietnam during the war.

John enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing cards, playing bocce, watching football on TV, and socializing with friends and strangers.

Funeral services will be 12:00 noon on Friday, December 3, 2021 at   Glenn  E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road with Elder Bob Brown officiating. 

Burial will be in Gravel Lawn Cemetery in Fortville. 

Friends may call on Thursday evening, December 2, 2021 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at the funeral home.  Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion.

Memorial contributions can be made to Shelby County Cancer Association, in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared at  glennegeorgeandson.com.