Gerald R. "Buddy" Mikesell Obituary (1942

Mr. Gerald R. "Buddy" Mikesell, age 80 of Commiskey, Indiana, entered this life on August 11, 1942 in Commiskey, Indiana. He was the loving son of Prentice Roosevelt and Hazel Lee Covington Mikesell. Buddy resided most of his life in Jefferson County. He attended Dupont School up until 10th grade when he quit school at 16 years old to go to work with his father. In April of 1962, Buddy entered the United States Army and served for 13 months in a DMZ. He was honorably discharged in April of 1964. On January 29, 1965, Buddy was united in marriage to Clara Deloris Branham at the Lancaster Baptist Church. This union of 58 years was blessed with one daughter, Felicia, and one son, Roland. Buddy was employed with Arvin's of North Vernon, then went to work for his father, did factory work at Chainbelt in Madison, heavy equipment operator for Teton Corporation, grader operator with Jefferson County Highway Department and last worked for Dean Ford for over 16 years. Throughout his working life, Buddy was also a self employed general contractor working mainly for Midway Supply. He was a skilled craftsmen and woodworker who built the family log home in 1988, where he and his wife resided until his passing. He had several hobbies, including driving race cars in the 60's at Twin City in North Vernon and Milton, Kentucky; he was also an avid NASCAR fan. Buddy was a child at heart and made it his life's purpose to show his love and dedication to his family. He worked tirelessly in support of his family his entire life, never expecting or asking for anything in return. The greatest joy in his life was his wife, Clara. Their love, dedication and commitment to one another provided an unshakeable foundation for their entire family. Buddy died on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 8:26 a.m. at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus, Indiana. Please Click Here to View the Video Tribute Please Click Here to View the Funeral Service Recording A LOVING FAMILYBuddy will be missed by his loving wife of 58 years, Clara Deloris Branham Mikesell of Commiskey, Indiana; his daughter, Felicia Kleopfer and her husband, Jim of Commiskey, Indiana; his son, Roland Mikesell and his companion Sherry Murray of Deland, Florida; his grandchildren, Kasie Bear (Abe), Kristy Krulik (Jeremy), Evan Lessley (Michelle Moss), Justin Wittmer-Mikesell, Tosha Uebel (Ron), Cheri Mikesell and Jeremy Mikesell.; his great grandchildren, Calli, Harlan, Taytum, Oliver, Porter, Lealynn, Gabriel, Madelyne, Emma, Landon, Layla, Braylee, and Navy; his great great grandson, Dallas; his close family friend, Laurene Wittmer of Versailles, Indiana; his sister, Lillie Wingham of Brooksburg, Indiana; his sister in law, Bertha Turner of Oxford, Ohio; his brother in law, Steve Branham of Deputy, Indiana; his sister in law, Priscilla Branham and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father , Prentice Roosevelt Mikesell, his mother, Hazel Lee Covington Mikesell, his mother-in-law Rosa Mitchell, his brother, Donald R. Mikesell, Sr., his sisters, Lora Gayle and Joy Cable, his brothers and sisters in law, William A. Branham, Tommy Wingham, Wallace Dean, Edward Turner, Garrett Cable, Alice Dean, Rose Mikesell, and Dee Gayle. FUNERAL CEREMONY Funeral services will be conducted Friday, April 21, 2023 at 1:00 p.m., by Pastor Lambert Greer at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Dupont Cemetery in Dupont, Indiana. TO WATCH THE SERVICE LIVE PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/87370/hash:5D85D873A7A94D05 VISITATION Friends may call Thursday from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Friday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive Madison, Indiana. MILITARY HONORSA final salute and military honors will be provided by the Major Samuel Woodfill Post No. 9 of the American Legion. MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice or the Living Church of God. Cards are available at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover. Online condolences, remembrances, and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com Place An Online Memorial To send a flower arrangement in memory of Gerald R. "Buddy" Mikesell, please click here to visit our sympathy store.