Arleigh Fikes Obituary, Death – Arleigh Fikes, 87, of Burlington Flats, died on December 20, 2022, surrounded by his beloved family in Cooperstown, NY. He was born in Utica, New York on June 8, 1935, the son of the late Charles and Cecilia (Lamanque) Fikes. He was predeceased by a brother, Frederick Fikes, in addition to his parents. His wife Janet Fikes of Burlington Flats survives, as do his son Terry (Nanette) Fikes of Burlington Flats, daughter Cindi Sue (Phil) Mancino of Rome, 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 (Fikes).
He is also survived by nieces and nephews, as well as close friends. Arleigh worn various hats throughout his life. For nearly 50 years, he was a bus driver for the Edmeston School District, a livestock dealer, a former Town Supervisor and Justice for the Town of Burlington, a DairyLee employee, the proprietor of Fikes Farm Supply in Edmeston, and a hobby farmer breeding horses, beef cattle, goats, and sheep.
He was most enthusiastic about going across the country with his family to display Appaloosa horses. Later, they produced, displayed, and paraded Percheron Draft Horses.
The custom that he and Janet began in the mid 1950s of riding horses in the Burlington Flats Memorial Day Parade has maintained to this day. He used to ride bareback horses and bulls in rodeos when he was younger. He served as a Director for the Empire Appaloosa Association and as President of the New York State Draft Horse Association. He had been a Mason for a long time. He also liked to go golfing, hunting, and snowmobiling. Arleigh really enjoyed recounting his many adventures with his close buddies to family and friends. Calling hours will be held at the Burlington Flats Baptist Church, Arnold Road in Burlington Flats, on Tuesday, December 27th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Funeral services will be held soon after at the church. Burlington Flats Cemetery will be used for the spring interment.