Walter F. WaykesHe was born Ladislaw Wyciechowski to Stanley and Anna Cecile (Zielinski) Wyciechowski on February 20, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Dearborn High School in 1943 and enlisted in the Navy the same year, serving in Panama and receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. He graduated from Wayne State University School of Law in 1950 and immediately started a long career in the insurance business. He worked as an insurance claims adjuster and in 1962 he and his family moved to Indianapolis when he was promoted to Claims Supervisor for American States Insurance Company. In 1990, he retired from that same company as Vice President of Personnel.Walt was unpretentious with a kind and caring personality and a sense of humor that could turn grief into laughter. He had a special knack for making every one around him feel valued and accepted, and greeted all he met with a firm handshake or generous hug. Anyone who met him likely has a \”Walt story\” to tell.After the end of his first marriage, he married Becky (Bowman) in June of 1973 and began a blended family with nine children: Paul Wykes (Zoe), Phil Wykes, Cliff Wykes, Chris Wykes, Mike Wykes, Nancy Wykes, Patty Wykes (Kevin Deville), Kay Wykes, and Doug Richards (Paula). Walt is survived by eight children, twelve grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, two brothers, one son, and one grandson.Calling will be at Zionsville United Methodist Church, 9644 Whitestown Road, Zionsville, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, February 13, 2016 with a Celebration of Life service at 5:00 p.m.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Zionsville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 547, Zionsville, IN, 46077, or Macular Degeneration Support Group of Indiana, Inc., 5248 Spring Creek Court, Indianapolis, IN, 46254.Arrangements have been entrusted to Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Care, Indianapolis.
