Walter Jack Sikes

Walter Jack Sikes

Dec. 30, 1926 - Oct. 8, 2013

YORK, Nebraska -- Walter Jack Sikes, 86, of York, died at his home Tuesday evening, Oct. 8, in the presence of his family.

He was born Dec. 30, 1926, to Norbon and Emma (Gibbs) Sikes in Rowden, Texas. Jack retired in 1991 from 35 years in child care, serving as superintendent of Cornhusker Christian Children's Home (Culbertson, Nebraska), and superintendent of Westview Boys Home (Hollis, Oklahoma) and campus manager at Tipton Home (Tipton, Oklahoma) and superintendent of New Mexico Christian Children's Home (Portales, New Mexico). He also maintained a family farm for many years. After graduating from Portales High School in 1945, Jack served honorably in the army, 1945-46.

He met his bride, Louise "Robbie" (Robertson), while attending Eastern New Mexico University. They were married Dec. 30, 1947, and had 65 wonderful years together. From the beginning, they wanted a dozen children for the Lord and surpassed that goal by one with Joyce (Don) Lacek of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Stacy (Carol) Sikes of Hibbing, Minnesota, Sharon (Pete) Disterlic of Castle Rock, Colorado, Steve (Patti) Sikes of Rochester, Minnesota, Sharla (Kent) Marcum of Quito, Ecuador, Stanten (Colleen) Buena Vista, Colorado, Shelly (Derryl) of Spring, Texas, Shawna (Brian) Bailey of Wolverine Lake, Michigan, Sherena (John) Langley of Andover, Kansas, Stewart (Dawn) Sikes of York, Steddon (Brenda) Sikes of York, Shanon (Dane) Tate of Holland, Michigan, and Stafford Sikes of York. All thirteen of their children and many of their grandchildren attended York College. Jack and Robbie were honored as Parents of the Year by York College in 1973 and with the inaugural YC Legacy Award in 2012.

Jack was a devout follower of Jesus and a member of the East Hill Church of Christ. Before moving to York in 2000, he served as an elder for many years at the McCook Church of Christ, and before that the Hollis Church of Christ in Oklahoma.

Jack is survived by his wife, Robbie, all his children and their spouses, over 90 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, siblings Billie (Leon) Tabor of Liberal, Kansas, Barry (Ruth) Sikes of Portales, New Mexico, Bob (Janet) Sikes of Valley Center, California, Kathryn of Elephant Butte, New Mexico, and Don (Bessie) Sikes of Hawley, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Wilma, Noble, Joy, Moy, Belinda, and Norbon Jr. and grandchildren: Jeana Marcum and Robert Lacek, Andrea Langley.

Memorial services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, at East Hill Church of Christ in York. Memorials may be directed to Operation Ecuador, c/o Southwest Church of Christ, 1635 So. Pueblo Blvd., Pueblo, CO 81008, Rochester Church of Christ in Rochester, MN, or York College, York, NE.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary in York is handling arrangements.