John D. Zile

Middletown....John D. Zile, 73, of rural Middletown died Tuesday at Glen Oaks Health Campus in New Castle after an extended illness. He was born April 5, 1941, in Anderson to the late L. Frank and Madge (Baker) Zile. A 1958 graduate of Middletown High School, he married the former Arthenia ""Artie"" Seal on April 24, 1960. He served in the U.S. Army from 1960-1962. He retired from Guide Lamp in Anderson in 1996 as a pipe fitter after 33 years of service.He was involved in the Henry County 4-H Horse and Pony Club in the 1970s and 1980s and was a member of the Great Lakes Paso Fino Association and the national Paso Fino Owners and Breeders Association. He enjoyed metal working and was a hobby blacksmith for several years. He conducted blacksmithing demonstrations at several local and state festivals and for area school and youth organizations. He was a founding member of the Fall Creek Blacksmiths and a member of the Indiana Blacksmith's Association and the Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America. He was a member of the Sixth Street Christian Church and the Tri County Christian Church, both in Middletown. In addition to his wife of 54 years, he is survived by two daughters, Amy Zile of Muncie and Franki Zile of rural Middletown; a son, Norman Zile of rural Middletown; a grandson, Carson Zile of Orlando, Fla.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.He is preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Hanna, and his brother Paul ""Sonny"" Zile.Friends may call on Sunday from 4-8 at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown. Services are at 10:00 am Monday at the Tri-County Christian Church with the Rev. Jim Harless and Rev. Bob Schaffer officiating. Burial will follow at the Mechanicsburg Cemetery. Online Guestbook at: www.ballard andsons.com and Facebook/Ballard & Sons; Life Celebrations, Counseling, Funerals, Cremation. The Ballard family is honored to celebrate the life of John Zile with family and friends