Patrick Fikes, Sr. of Akron, OH, beloved brother, father, grandfather, uncle and cousin to many, passed away on December 7, 2018.  Patrick was born in Akron, OH on March 17, 1938, to the late James and Ella Mae Fikes.

Patrick attended Akron Public Schools where he graduated from North High School.  He served in the United States Army, was in the Reserves for 8 ½ years and worked for the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority for twelve years.

In 1968 he was a part of the first graduating class from the Police Academy and was a Summit County Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Robert Troutman. Patrick was on the Sheriff’s motorcycle patrol and served as the first black with the Sheriffs Mounted Patrol.  His job was to search for lost individuals and maintain crowd control.  He also rode horseback in many parades, especially the American Soap Box Derby.  He met many dignitaries, celebrities and led the escort when Presidential Candidate, Rev. Jesse Jackson came to Mt. Zion.  He received awards for law enforcement from Sheriff Robert Troutman and the Black Law Enforcement Officers Association, retiring after serving 30 years where he still held a commission with the Sheriff’s Dept. for the State of Ohio.  After retirement, Patrick went to work for Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home for many years.

Patrick was very active in his church home of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for 69 years, where he sang in the Mass Choir and Male Chorus. He also served as a Treasurer of the Brotherhood, Security Guard for the Church members on the Praise and Worship Ministries, volunteered in the Food Pantry, a former member of the junior choir, President of the Usher board #2 trustee, Voices of Joy and Senior Ushers.

Patrick had many hobbies, which included singing for the Lord, he was a former member of the Northernaires, Bettye R. Palms Ensemble and served as their Business Manager.  He also modeled and would be in many fashion shows at the church, and was one of Zoe Mitchell’s models.  He also enjoyed shooting pool with his family.

What people didn’t know about Patrick was he always visited the sick and shut-in and would sit with them, pray and sing a song for them.

Patrick is preceded in death by his parents, James, and Ella Mae Fikes; brothers, James, Bobby, and O’Neil Fikes; sisters Wilodeen  Munford, Bettye Pettiford, Hattie Davis, Carolyne Gordon;  his beloved twin Patricia Peake and grandson, Marlon Walker.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his sister, Connie Marsh of Mason, OH; brother Calvin Fikes, Sr; daughter, Veronica Fikes of Orlando, FL; sons, Patrick Fikes, Jr. of Toledo, OH; Phillip (Michelle) Fikes, Sr. of Akron, OH, Alonzo (Sondra) Edwards of Kansas, City; granddaughters, Kionna, Kierra and Savanna; grandsons, Cordell, Phillip, Jr. and Caleb, best friend, Norma Graves and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, many cousins, relatives and friends.