Jack B. Wickens

Jack B. Wickens Battle Creek Jack B. Wickens, age 68, of Battle Creek, died Sunday morning, October 12, 2008 at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, Battle Creek, with his family at his side. Jack was born on December 4, 1939 in Battle Creek and was the son of Charles C. and Eleanor E. (Titus) Wickens. Jack was drafted and served with the U.S. Navy from 1958-1963 as a Seaman E-3. He received his high school diploma from Springfield High School in 1970. Jack retired from the Kellogg Company in 1988, after 25 years of faithful service at the grain elevator. Jack was a member of the Polish National Alliance and a former member of the Eagles Aerie #299 of Battle Creek. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his passion was his grandchildren. His eyes would light-up whenever they were around! In 1988, in Battle Creek, Jack was united in marriage to the former, Fay S. (Pearcy) Herrell and she survives. Also surviving are his daughter: Kelly C. Wickens of Battle Creek; his son: Charles L. (Jeanne) Wickens of Jackson, MI; two grandchildren; three stepsons: Jeffery B. (Jeannie) Herrell of Brighton, MI; Michael S.(Shawna) Herrell of Belleville, MI and Todd (Julie) Manies of Athens, MI; his stepdaughter: Patty Beard of Pennfield Township; nine step-grandchildren; special cousin: Mariette West and family of East Leroy, MI; sister-in-law: Lila (Kennan) Lathum; two nephews: Jack and John Kennan and his former wife's: Peggy Beard of Battle Creek and Beverly Ackerman of Athens. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; a stepdaughter: Pam Sellers; a sister: Elizabeth Staup; and a brother, John Kennan. At the request of the family, the graveside service to celebrate Jack's life will be held on Thursday, October 16th at 10:00 AM at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI, with full, military honors by the U.S. Navy and the Fort Custer Honor Guard. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions in Jack's honor may be made to the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, 5470 Glenn Cross Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015. The Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek, is in charge of all the arrangements. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com