Robert L.. Zirkle

Middletown...Robert L. Zirkle, 79, resident of Middletown, passed away December 7, 2007 at St. Johns Medical Center in Anderson.He was born June 12, 1928 in Middletown, the son of Carl R Zirkle and Lena Reddington Zirkle and lived in the Middletown area his entire life.He graduated from Middletown High School in 1946 where he was salutatorian of his class, served as president of his class for three years, and was basketball student manager for four years.He worked at Guide Lamp forty-seven years and retired in 1993 as a Senior Project Engineer in Optical Design. He was drafted by the US Army in 1950 and received his medical training at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio Texas and went to Korea with the Headquarters Medical Dispensary, 11th Combat Engineering Battalion as a Staff Sargent. He received the Presidential Citation, commendation ribbon and medal pendant after his discharge.He attended Ball State University and went through General Motors's Apprentice School. He taught Drafting at the School and coached the Guide Lamp basketball team. He was the Middletown Cossacks sports writer and a basketball statistician for Coach Von Jameson. He was a member of the Middletown United Methodist Church since 1955 and taught Sunday school since 1993. He was a charter member of the UMC Methodist Men and a counselor for the New Castle Ford Philpot Crusade. He was president of the Henry County Fishers of Men Club.Survivors include his wife: Madonna C. Vannatter Zirkle of Middletown, 1 son: Jeffrie Van Zirkle (Pam) of Greensburg, 3 daughters: Bethanne Zirkle of Amderson, Nancy Dickerson-Zirkle of Anderson, and Lezlee Beall (John) of Muncie, sister in laws: Tina Zirkle of Anderson and Martha June Zirkle of Chesterfield, brother in law: Richard Vannater (Mary) of Middletown, five grandchildren: Amanda Morrison (Chris-Michael)of Indianapolis, Jonathon Zirkle of Chicago, Courtney and Geoff Dickerson of Anderson, and Evan Beall of Muncie, several nieces,nephews and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents, and two bothers, James and Max.Funeral services were held at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown with Rev. Jeff Zirkle and Rev. Jeff Landon officiating.Burial followed at Miller Cemetery in Middletown.Memorial contributions may be made to the Middletown United Methodist Church.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.com