Samuel Zeckel

Samuel Maurice Zeckel passed away on March 15, 2012. He lived his entire life in Noblesville and was a retired businessman.  He was the son of European immigrants that eventually settled in Noblesville. In 1922, they opened a men's clothing store located where the Uptown is located today. In the mid 1930's the clothing store moved to its' location in the middle of the south side of the square where it operated until it closed in 1984. This move allowed them offer a full line of men & boys clothes instead of mainly offering bib overalls & work boots.  At an early age he started working in his family's clothing store where it was expected for him to eventually take over the family business along with his brothers.     Sam was part of the 1947 class at Noblesville High School. He really didn't like school and was kind of a rebel. He was too young to serve in WWII which bothered him. At the recommendation of his older brother Jack, he joined the National Guard in 1948. Sam fell in love with the Guard. It taught him discipline, helped him set goals, it changed his life for the better. He worked hard and achieved the rank of Captain. In those days many of Noblesville's business men also belonged to The Guard. It became a fraternity of sorts for the young men in the community. One of his proudest moments was when he was presented The Governors Trophy by Governor Welch in the early 60's because the Noblesville battalion was awarded The Best Battalion in Indiana.  He retired from the Guard in the mid 1960's.    Sam continued to work in the clothing store until the mid 1960's. Around 1962 - 63, he got together with a couple other business owners, together they organized a new downtown merchants association to help promote downtown. At that time the downtown businesses were losing money to the new mall - Glendale. He was instrumental in starting Noblesville's first Christmas parade, getting Santa's House built and put on the square, along with many other Holiday promotions and events. He personally arranged for the Indianapolis Police Department's Motorcycle Drill team, and local TV personalities - Cowboy Bob, Janie, Harlow Hickinlooper and others to appear in the parade. In 1964, he was awarded the first Distinguished Service Award to be given by the Jr. Chamber of Commerce for his work to help downtown.    Sam needed a break from the clothing store. He spent a couple of years as a successful  traveling salesman for Curlee Clothes, his territory was part of Ohio. In 1966, he invested in Syd's Bar. He soon developed a love for the food business and the profit potential in selling beverages. He personally cut every steak, made the salad dressings from scratch along with many other menu items. In 1976, he transformed the bar into a restaurant by remodeling and redecorating in antiques and stained glass.  He sold Syd's in 1988.    During his retirement years he continued his life long love affair with the stock market. His parents initiated his interest because that was their investment choice as new Americans. His hobby and passion were watching and trading in the markets almost daily. He enjoyed cooking for his children & grandchildren.     Because of his love for Noblesville, he served on the Planning Commission and BZA for the past 17 years. He believed he needed to help the small or independent business owners because he understood what it was like to sink your savings into a business venture.    He was preceded in death by his parents; Belle Kaufman Zeckel and Ben Zeckel, brothers; Richard and Jack Zeckel, wife; Patty Markle Zeckel, and daughter Jennifer Zeckel Hooker.     Survivors include; sons Jeff and Steve Zeckel, daughter Kathy (Mike) Smith of Ft. Wayne, grandchildren; Ben Smith, Michael Hooker (wife Samantha), Hunter Zeckel, and Rachel Hooker. One great grandson, Bentley Hooker.    Visitation is Monday, March 19, 5 - 9pm at Randall & Roberts on Logan St. Funeral Service is 2pm on Tuesday, March 20 at the funeral home.    Contributions can be made in his name to Crohn's & Colitus Foundation of America, INC. 386 Park Ave. South, 17th Floor, N.Y., N.Y. 10016 instead of flowers.