John S. Hellis

John S. Hellis, 81

MUNCIE - John S. Hellis, 81, retired Muncie Firefighter and business owner, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2016 at his residence.

He was born February 28, 1935 in Muncie, the son of Stanley and Susan (Huber) Hellis. John graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1952. After marrying Patricia Hinkle on July 4, 1953, they owned and operated Dragway Equipment, Anderson Speedway for twenty-one years, Old 67 Antique Mall, and Muffler King. John retired from the Muncie Fire Department in 1976.

Mr. Hellis was a drag racer in the 1960's, driving an AA Gas Dragster, and owned stock cars through the 1970's, 80's, and 90's. He enjoyed collecting and restoring BB guns, jukeboxes, Cushman Motor Scooters and antique cars. He was also a former founding member of Rodbenders Car Club. John was an avid NASCAR fan and was inducted into the Little 500 Hall of Fame in 2004. He collected antiques and frequented auctions and flea markets.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Hinkle) Hellis; two sons, Stanley J. Hellis (wife, Dee), Vic Hellis (wife, Teresa); three grandchildren, Stash Hellis (wife, Ashleigh), John Hellis (wife, Megan) and Katina Nickels (husband, Joel); seven great-grandchildren, Ashton, Jaleigh, Skye, Wyatt, Levi, Brixton and Baylor; and four nephews, John and Dan Farrell, and Richard and Steve Nixon.

Mr. Hellis was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Josephine Farrell and her husband, John.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel. Burial will follow in Elm Ridge Cemetery.

Friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel, from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 820 E. Charles St., Muncie, IN 47305; Toys for Tots, c/o Muncie Fire Dept., 408 N. Cook Rd., Muncie, IN 47303; or the Delaware County Sheriff's Office K-9 Fund, 100 W. Washington St., Muncie, IN 47305.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.