Nolan Pyke
Nolan Pyke
Nolan Pyke, a dedicated husband, father, and community servant, passed away on June 12, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on April 12, 1941, in Indianapolis to Norman & Naomi (Illges) Pyke. On March 5, 1994, he married Pamela Jones, and she survives.
Nolan graduated from Tipton High School Class of 1959. Following his high school education, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country from 1960 to 1965. Nolan owned and operated No-Lin’s bakery from 1974-1978, creating many dozen donuts enjoyed throughout the community. He worked at the Tipton County Health Department for 20 years before retiring in 2015. His commitment to his community extended beyond his professional life; he was an active member of West Street Christian Church and devoted much of his time to improving the lives of those around him.
Nolan loved his family and his community, where he was very active in bettering the lives of all he met. Nolan and Pam were two of the first organizers of the Tipton Community Theatre, where Nolan served as the first president of the organization. He was a Cub Scouts leader and CYF youth group leader. Christmas was a particularly special time for Nolan as he brought joy and excitement to children and adults alike by donning his Santa suit each year. Besides Santa, he was also a Butcher, Baker, and Candle Stick Maker. Nolan was a poet and storyteller. He even wrote his own story, entitled “Mary’s Story.” He was a big supporter of the Tipton Blue Devils and could often be found cheering them on in the stands. A skilled craftsman, Nolan enjoyed making a Chinese checkerboard and often challenged his friends and family to a game. When not playing checkers, he delighted in playing cards and solving crossword puzzles.
He is survived by his wife Pam of Tipton, three sons Jeff Pyke and wife Chenelle, Joe Pyke, and Jon Pyke, a daughter Felica Fritch, 14 grandchildren Blake and wife Desiree, Keegan and wife Brianna, Noah and wife Jessica, Keelee Dobbs and husband Hunter, Brooklyn, Brittany, Brady, and Colton Temple, Josie, Josiah, Taylor, Austin, Aron, and Brayden, along with his great grandchildren Saige, Oliva, Henry, Bentlee, Luca, Aemilia Rose, Greyson, Tatum, Lincoln, McKinley, Carter, Evie, and Maggie, a brother-in-law Doug Jones and wife Sandy, and nieces & nephews.
Nolan was preceded in death by his sister Norma and brother George.
A celebration honoring Nolan’s life will be held on Saturday, June 21, at 4:00 P.M. at West Street Christian Church. Rev Ashley Sherard will preside. The Tipton American Legion and the United States Marines will provide military honors. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday beginning at 2:00 P.M. until service time.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to be chosen to assist Nolan’s family at this time. Messages of condolence may be left for his family on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Memorial donations may be made to the Tipton Community Theater, P.O. Box 204, Tipton, Indiana, 46072 or West Street Christian Church, 132 N. West Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.