In Memoriam
Arleigh Fikes, 87
June 8, 1935 – December 20, 2022
BURLINGTON FLATS – Arleigh Fikes, 87, of Burlington Flats, passed away December 20, 2022 in Cooperstown, NY surrounded by his loving family.
Arleigh was born on June 8, 1935 in Utica, NY the son of the late Charles and Cecilia (Lamanque) Fikes. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother Frederick Fikes.
He is survived by his wife Janet Fikes of Burlington Flats, a son Terry (Nanette) Fikes of Burlington Flats, a daughter Cindi Sue (Phil) Mancino of Rome, a sister Gail (James) Wheelock of West Winfield, grandchildren Steven (Dawn) Patafie, Kevin (Alicia Diamond) Patafie, Cassandra (Jared) Popiel, and Matthew (Ashley) Fikes, great grandchildren Peyton and Rocky Patafie, Cole and Jade Popiel, and Carter and Levi Malmquist (Fikes). He is also survived by nieces, nephews and close friends.
Arleigh wore many hats over his lifetime. He was a bus driver for the Edmeston School District for nearly 50 years, a Livestock Dealer, former Town Supervisor and Justice for the Town of Burlington, an employee of DairyLee, owner of Fikes Farm Supply in Edmeston, and a hobby farmer raising horses, beef cattle, goats, and sheep.
He was most passionate about traveling the country with his family showing Appaloosa horses. Later they raised, showed and participated in parades with Percheron Draft Horses. To this day, the tradition that he and Janet started in the mid 1950s, of riding horses in the Burlington Flats Memorial Day Parade has continued.
In his early years, he participated in rodeos, riding bareback horses and bulls. He was a Director for the Empire Appaloosa Association and the former President of the New York State Draft Horse Association. He was a long time member of the Masons. He also enjoyed playing golf, hunting and snowmobiling. Arleigh especially enjoyed reminiscing with family and friends the many adventures he had shared with his close friends.
Calling hours will be Tuesday December 27th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Burlington Flats Baptist Church, Arnold Road in Burlington Flats. Funeral services will immediately follow at the church. Spring interment will be in Burlington Flats Cemetery.
Donations can be made to Nephcure Kidney International at www.Nephcure.org/getinvolved/ways-to-give, Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road Cooperstown, NY 13326 indicating Dialysis Unit donations.
The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Dr. Eric Knight and the Basset Dialysis Unit for their long-term compassionate care and to the Edmeston Emergency Squad for their kindness and care.
Arrangements are with Delker and Terry Funeral Home 30 South Street Edmeston, NY. To send condolences, visit www.Delkerterryfh.com or Delker and Terry Funeral Home on Facebook.