Alan L. Fikes

Alan Lester Fikes died after a valiant battle on March 25, 2011, at home. Memorial service is at 2 p.m. on Saturday April 23rd at the Illinois City Methodist Church, Hwy 92, Illinois City. Pastors Howard and Toni Ross will officiate. Alan was born Nov. 1, 1938 in Birmingham, AL. Where he grew up the only son of Jessie Mae Black Fikes and Lester Alan Fikes. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at Birmingham-Southern College where he earned his B.S. Degree in Chemistry. He did graduate work at University of Alabama, Birmingham. Gained an honorable discharge from U.S. Marine Corps. Met his life long love in the Chemistry Dept. at college. Married Brenda Joyce Ramage on March 17, 1960. Celebrated 50 years marriage with family on cruise in March 2010. Employed for 5 years by Southern Research Institute Birmingham, AL. doing basic cancer research for Sloan Kettering Inst. Joined Pfizer Chemical Div. for 12 years. In 1973 he came to Muscatine, IA with Grain Processing Corp. in alcohol sales. Retired from there as V.P. Alcohol Division after 28 years. He is a member of several professional org. including more than 50 years with American Chemical Society, Elks member for 30+ years. He is a member of the Illinois City Methodist Church.

Actively volunteered with Republican party in several states and was co-chairman for Muscatine County. He served on the Muscatine County Conservation Board. An avid sportsman, Alan loved camping, fishing and hunting – especially pheasants. His other favorite was chasing the illusive King Salmon in Alaska. He got one on last visit to the Kenai. Was a die hard Cubs fan. Cheered on the Alabama Crimson Tide, Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers football teams. A voracious reader, Hercule Poirot was among his favorites as they shared some similar habits. He enjoyed travel on business and for pleasure – especially to Alaska and Hawaii. Upon retirement, the couple moved to “the far side” of the Mississippi River to Illinois City, IL. They were welcomed warmly and settled in for 12 years of retired bliss hiding in their woods with pound puppies, Angus and Michelle.

This kind and gentle man, cherished husband, father and grandfather will be missed by surviving family, wife, Brenda, son, Tracey (Denise) Glenwood, IA., daughter, Terry (Cole) Walters, Salt Lake City, grandchildren, Tyler, Caitlin, Connor Fikes and Jonah Walters. Brothers-in-law, Andrew Ramage III, Tuscaloosa, AL. and Harry Ramage, Acworth, GA. Preceded in death by his parents. Much gratitude of family is given to those in our church family, the U.of IA. Hospitals and Trinity Pathway Hospice, employees and volunteers, who helped so much in physical and inspirational ways.

In lieu of flowers, Alan requests memorials be made to the Musser Library, Home Bound Dept. Muscatine, IA. or Illinois City United Methodist Church.