Jack William Firkins' Obituary
Jack W. Firkins, age 87, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away Sunday, February 4, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville.
He was born on April 5, 1930 in Centerville, Iowa, the son of Jacob C. and Veva G. (Argo) Firkins. Jack graduated from Centerville High School.
Jack entered the United States Navy on January 3, 1951. He served his country faithfully during the Korean War as a communications/radio specialist, honorably discharging on November 2, 1954.
He was united in marriage to Kay Johnson on November 28, 1957. To this union of marriage, two children were born, Doug and Deborah. The couple later divorced.
Following his military service, Jack accepted a position with Iowa Southern Utilities in Centerville. A dedicated employee to ISU for forty one years, Jack retired in 1991.
Throughout his lifetime, Jack maintained a passion for ham radios. With the call number of K0DOS, he enjoyed communicating with other amateur radio operators across the land. Moreover, Jack was a longtime member of the Amateur Radio Club. He also enjoyed aviation, especially small home built airplanes. Jack was once a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He also enjoyed riding Harley Davidson motorcycles in his free time.
Jack is survived by his two children, Doug (Lynn) Firkins of Centerville, Iowa, and Deborah Firkins of Centerville, Iowa; five grandchildren, Angie Robinson (Jon Thorup) of Knoxville, Iowa, Rachel (Firkins) (Eric) Gooden of Des Moines, Iowa, Melanie (Firkins) (Adam) Currie of Lafayette, Indiana, Michael Firkins of Centerville, Iowa, and Megan (Sebolt) (Justin) Jedlicka of McCallsburg, Iowa; six great grandchildren, Madelyn and Brayden Babbitt of Knoxville, Iowa, Sienna Gooden of Des Moines, Iowa, Callie, Colt, and Chase Jedlicka of McCallsburg, Iowa; and one great great grandchild, Elaina Babbitt of Knoxville, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob C. and Veva G. Firkins.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6 PM, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville with Pastor Lloyd Johnston officiating. A visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Lange Funeral Home, with the family greeting friends from 4-6 PM. A memorial has been established to The Friends of the Drake Public Library and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.
Visitation
2018-02-07 16:00:00
18:00:00
Lange Funeral Home & Crematory
1900 South 18th St
Centerville
IA
52544
Celebration of Life
2018-02-07 18:00:00
Lange Funeral Home & Crematory
1900 South 18th St
Centerville
IA
52544
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