Lyle D. Fikan

March 30, 1943-Sept. 30, 2004

EL RENO, Okla. -- Lyle D. Fikan, 61, died Thursday (Sept. 30, 2004) in El Reno, Okla.

He was born March 30, 1943, to Reno Ray Fikan and Gladys Eileen (Kyte) Fikan in Atwood. He graduated from Atwood High School in 1961 and attended college at Fort Hays State College in Hays, Kan. He joined the Army in 1964 and served for over seven years, including a tour in the Vietnam War.

After leaving the armed services he obtained his commercial pilots license at Aviation Services in Columbus, Ga. In 1972, he opened his own aerial applicator business which he operated in Brewster, Kan.

In December of 1985, he married Janet Ann Studer.

He sold his business in 1991 and moved to Atwood where the couple purchased the Worthy GM and Implement dealership. They then moved to Oklahoma.

He was a life member of the VFW, the Lions Club of Brewster, the Masonic Lodge for over 35 years, Isis and India Shrine, National T-Bucket Association, Kansas Aerial Applicator Association where he served on the board, and he served on the local school board in Brewster.

He was preceded in death by his father, Reno Fikan.

Survivors include his wife, Janet of El Reno; his mother, Eileen of Atwood; and brother, Larry and sister, Lois Smith, both of Atwood.

Mass of Christian burial is Tuesday, 10 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Atwood with the Rev. Damian Richards officiating. Interment will be at Atwood Fairview Cemetery with fraternal rites by the Masonic Lodge No. 164 Af & AM of Atwood and military rites by the American Legion Sam Hubbard Post No. 46 of Atwood.

A parish vigil and rosary will be said today, 7 p.m., at the Williams Funeral Home of Atwood.

Visitation is today, until 9 p.m.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Russell Murray Hospice in El Reno.

Williams Funeral Home of Atwood is in charge of the arrangements.