Jackie Wiley

Jackie Wiley, 68, of Holton passed away Monday, March 2, 2015 at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born at Knightstown on January 8, 1947 the son of William Everett and Goldie Egan. Jackie was adopted and raised by Benjamin Wiley. He was married to Shelba Cullen on April 5, 1974 and she survives. Other survivors include one son Kevin (Tammy) Wiley of Holton; one daughter Amanda Wiley and companion Pam O'Neal of Indianapolis; one grandson Dominic Wiley. He was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt Cordia Lockridge, his sister Lucille Ryckman, and his brothers Don, Arthur, Gene, Paul, and William Egan. Mr. Wiley was a 1965 graduate of North Vernon High School. He was a 14 year Navy veteran and served three tours in Vietnam. While with the Navy he served on the USS Constellation, USS Forrestal, and while serving on the USS Kitty Hawk participated in picking up splashed down Apollo astronauts. One of his "war stories" included having Elvis walk on to the military base and participate in a touch football game with his unit. Jackie received the Good Conduct Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. In civilian life Jackie was a self-employed metal smith fabricator. He had also been employed with Cummins and had worked at the Jefferson Proving Ground. He had taught welding at the Southeastern Career Center in Versailles and also at South Ripley High School. He had also been a Job Corp instructor at Camp Atterbury. A celebration of Jackie's life will be held on Saturday, March 7 at 3pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Karen Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow at a later date at the Indiana Veterans Cemetery in Madison. Visitation will be Saturday from 1pm until time of services. Memorials may be given to the donor's choice in care of the funeral home.