MERLIN "ED" FIKE

1925 - 2018

MERLIN "ED" FIKE Merlin Edward "Ed" Fike went home to the Lord February 19, 2018. Ed was born February 5, 1925, in Hopkins, Missouri, to Mary Myrle Mahan and Edward E. Fike. After graduating from high school, Ed joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served our country in both World War II and the Korean War. Following his discharge from the Marine Corps, he moved to Las Vegas, and was a resident of the state since 1948. Ed was the founder of Lawyers Title of Las Vegas and Nevada Escrow Service, a business he owned from 1960 to 1986. Ed entered Nevada politics in 1964 when he ran for office as an Assemblyman in the Nevada State Legislature, a position he held for two terms before he was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1966, serving in that capacity until 1970, when he ran for Governor in a close race against Governor Mike O'Callaghan. Although Ed left public office in 1970, he continued his involvement in politics serving as a National Committeeman for the Republican Party from 1980 to 1985. Following his last term as Lieutenant Governor, Ed became President of the Nevada Development Authority and dedicated a great deal of his time to serving as longtime President of the Boulder Dam Area Council of Boy Scouts. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kathleen Butts; son, Michael Pulliam; and his grandson, Ian Fike. He is survived by his wife, of 60 years, Joann Fike; children, Toni Rackey, Gary Fike (Mary), Gary Pulliam (Beth) and Brian Fike (Kelli); grandchildren, Jason Fike, Ertha Pulliam, Orion Fike, Ryan Pulliam, Paul Fike, Jonathan Pulliam, Joseph Pulliam, Alexandra Fike, Matthew Fike, Brittnee Pulliam, Quinn Fike, Owen Fike and Gabriella Fike; and seven great-grandchildren. Memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Friday, March 16, at Desert Springs United Methodist Church, 120 N. Pavilion Cemter Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89144. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in Ed's name.