Lowell B. Zile

Lowell Bouse Zile, 94, passed to his heavenly home on October 26, 2010 at 8:10 p.m. in Lutheran Hospital, Ft. Wayne, IN. He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine, in April 20, 2010; also by his parents, Earl and Hazel (Bouse) Zile, and brothers Paul Zile and Dean Zile. He was a long-time resident of Silver Lake and most recently, North Manchester, IN. He is survived by two sons, Dan Zile (Beth) of Wentzville, MO, and Phil Zile (Debbie) of Silver Lake, IN; nine grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren (2 more expected), numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Jean Grubb, North Manchester, IN, Rita Surland, Sacramento, CA, Betty Zile, Monticello, IN, and brother-in-law, Gene Engle, Marco Island, FL. Lowell worked for his father-in-law, Clarence Grubb, at the Silver Lake Elevator for ten years before starting his own business, Zile Oil Company, which he ran for over 25 years. He retired from it in 1965. He drove school bus for 32 years for the Silver Lake and Warsaw school systems. He was a long-time member of Silver Lake Lions Club, Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department where he was awarded Fireman of the Year in 1987. In 1995 Lowell was honored by the Silver Lake community by being named Grand Marshall of the Silver Lake Days Festival and parade. He was a member the Sidney/Warsaw Masonic Lodge. Lowell and Catherine were members of the Center United Methodist Church and had been residents of Peabody Retirement Community for the past 5 years. They served as co-secretary/treasurer of Lakeview Cemetery Association in Silver Lake for many years. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 29, from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Center United Methodist Church, located at the intersection of State Road 15 and County Road 950 south, Silver Lake. Funeral services will be on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 10:30 at Center United Methodist Church. Lowell was greatly loved by his family and will be sorely missed by all. For those who wish to honor the memory of Lowell B. Zile, memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle at Peabody Retirement Community, 400 W. Seventh, North Manchester, IN, or to Center United Methodist Church. The family is being served by McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Rd. 114 West, North Manchester, IN 46962. To send a private condolence to the family, use the condolence link on the homepage.