Nelson Leroy Pikey, 86, Builder, Plumber, and Electrician

He was born December 2, 1919 in Conran, Missouri where he was raised and lived until 1937.

He was employed by General Industries for forty-three years retiring in 1983 as a machinist. He was a member of the Elyria Community Church of the Nazarene where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and was a member of the Church Board. Nelson built each of his family’s homes and assisted in the building of the Amherst Church of the Nazarene using his abilities as a builder, plumber, and electrician. He enjoyed gardening and working.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-three years Margaret Ann Pikey (nee: Shumaker); his daughters Diane Starbuck of Amherst, Judith Litchfield of Defiance, Ohio, and Joyce Bodkin of Ormand Beach, Florida; four grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandson Thomas Zbinden; by his parents Nelson L. and Dora Pikey (nee: Maple); by his brothers Cecil Pikey, Paul Pikey, and Allen Pikey; and by his sisters Julia Westmoreland and Evelyn Michem.

Friends may call Wednesday, December 28, 2005, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland St., Amherst, OH 44001. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 29, 2005 at 1 p.m. from the funeral home. The Rev. George Gribben, pastor of Elyria Community Church of the Nazarene, will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Elyria Community Church of the Nazarene Music Fund; 1107 Clemens Ave., Elyria 44035.