Michael Charles "Mike" Lykens

Michael "Mike" Charles Lykens, 74, of New Castle, formerly Blountsville, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024. He was born on January 11, 1950 in Hartford City a son of Robert Phil Lykens and Josephine Gloria (Lopez) Gwynn.

Mike was extremely involved in the community of Blountsville and surrounding areas, serving in many capacities over the years. Mike served the Blountsville Fire Department for over 50 years, 31 of those years as fire chief. He served on the Blountsville Lions Club where he was former zone chairman and also held many other offices, former clerk and treasurer of the Blountsville Town Board, treasurer of Union Community Scholarship Board, former Stoney Creek Township Trustee, member of the Henry County Cemetery Commission, Henry County Public Defenders Commission, the Henry County – Stoney Creek Township Republican Precinct Chairman, Henry County Republican Club, VFW/American Legion and Amvets. He was also a member of the Indiana Volunteer Fireman's Association. Most importantly, Mike was a member of Harris Chapel Church of the Nazarene, where he served on the church board.

Mike was a career accountant for 48 years and was employed by Modernfold from 1972-1977, Ingersol Steel from 1977-1982, Commercial Vinyl from 1982-2001 and Draper Shade from 2001 until his retirement in 2018. Mike was a proud veteran of the US Air Force from 1968-1971; he served during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Udorn, Thailand. He also served in the US Army Reserves from 1971-1974, following his honorable discharge from the Air Force.

Mike loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was a collector of Fire and Buddha statues and postage stamps. He was a kind soul that knew no strangers.

Mike was survived by his mother who sadly passed away two days after Mike; He is survived by his two sons, Michael Brian (Jennifer S.) Lykens of Losantville and Kevin Lee (Andrea) Lykens of Mooreland; grandchildren, Kourtney (Zack) Daniels of New Castle, Kaleb Alexander Lykens of Losantville, Dylan James Lykens of Losantville, Olivia Jewell Grace Lykens of Mooreland, and Dalton James Lykens of Mooreland; great granddaughter, Adeline Rebecca Daniels of New Castle; sister, Sheila Ann Grismore of Springport; sister-in-law, Pam Shirley of Muncie.

In addition to his father and recently his mother, Mike is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Christine (Shirley) Lykens; grandparents, Charles Lloyd and Alma Coral Lykens who adopted and raised Mike; daughter-in-law, Jennifer R. Lykens.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Harris Chapel Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Jim Ballenger officiating. Burial will follow at Mooreland Cemetery with military honors conducted by the American Legion/VFW and the US Air Force. Visitation will be Friday, April 5, 2024 from 4-8 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to the Blountsville Fire Department or the Blountsville Fireman Food Pantry.

You may express condolences or share memories of Mike at www.hinsey-brown.com.