Specialist Jonathan Daniel "Jon" Menke Obituary (1986

Specialist Jonathan Daniel "Jon" Menke, age 22, of Madison, Indiana, entered this life on July 18, 1986, in Columbus, Indiana. Jon was raised in Madison, Indiana and was a 2005 graduate of Madison Consolidated High School. He joined the Indiana National Guard on March 15, 2004. Jon graduated from basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood in 2005. While in high school he played football and was a member of the track team. As a senior he was on the 400 meter relay team that qualified for the regional meet. He also played the part of Gaston in the high school musical "Beauty and the Beast" his senior year, as well as playing the part of the Mad Hatter in the production of "Alice in Wonderland". During his senior year he won the sculpture award from the art department and was on the honor roll. He moved to Indianapolis and attended IUPUI and Ivy Tech. While attending college he also worked in retail in Indianapolis. Jon loved music, playing the guitar and banjo, art, theater, working out, and bicycling. Jon was activated in February 2008 at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and was first sent to Kuwait. He was currently stationed in East Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving in the 38th Military Police Company, 95th Battalion, 18th Brigade with the Danville, Indiana Unit. Specialist Jonathan Daniel Menke died Monday, August 4, 2008 while defending out Nation against Global Terrorism, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Specialist Menke was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge. A LOVING FAMILY Jon will be missed by his parents: Daniel & Paula Menke of Madison, Indiana and Debbie Kay Estes Sizemore of Louisville, Kentucky; his sisters: Kristen Pearson of Columbus, Indiana and Nichole Menke of Madison, Indiana; his brother: Matthew Eversole of Madison, Indiana; his grandparents: William & Louise Menke of Carmel, Indiana; Marvin & Johnnie Lynn of Madison, Indiana; Dewayne & Joyce Wynn of Hanover, Indiana; Paul & Edith Thompson of West Chester, Ohio; his niece: Kamryn Cantu; his aunts & uncles: Laurie Sarett of Indianapolis, Indiana; Julie & Ivan Rader of Noblesville, Indiana; Karen & Tim Cummings of Carmel, Indiana; Kim Thompson of Madison, Indiana; John & Vickie Demaree of Madison, Indiana; and Jon's strong and large network of friends. He was preceded in death by his brother: Shane Pearson. FUNERAL CEREMONY Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 11:00 am, at the Madison Consolidated High School Gymnasium, 743 Clifty Drive in Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Madison, Indiana with full military honors conducted by the Joint Forces Headquarters Indiana Ceremonial Unit VISITATION Friends may call Wednesday from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Madison Consolidated High School Gymnasium, 743 Clifty Drive in Madison, Indiana. MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS Memorial contributions may be made to Jonathan Daniel Menke Endowment. Cards are available at the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family via wwww.morgan-nay.com To send a flower arrangement in memory of Specialist Jonathan Daniel "Jon" Menke, please click here to visit our sympathy store.