Mark J. Miles

Mark J. Miles 76, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, December 9, 2010 at his residence. Born April 29, 1934 in Sandusky, Ohio, he was the son of Everett E. and Loretta Bechstein Miles, who preceded him in death. He moved to Shelbyville with his family in 1939, and graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1952. On February 6, 1971, he married Ellave Miller Lewis Miles, who survives. Other survivors include three step children, Larry (wife, Shari) Lewis of Winter Park, Florida, Karen Lewis (husband, Mark) Thomas of Seymour and Beth Lewis Davenport of Naples, Florida; grandchildren, Ashley Lewis, Alec Lewis, Katie Thomas Buckner, Brooke Thomas Reasoner, Jill Thomas, Taylor Davenport, Cydney Davenport, Jaime Davenport and Erin Davenport Abougzier; four great-grandchildren; additional two daughters survive, Robin Abney and Jayne Barnes; and brother-in-law, Dan Hey. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Hey and a niece, Lisa (Hey) Montgomery. Mr. Miles was a member of First Christian Church in Shelbyville. He also served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956, and was a veteran of the Korean War. Upon his return from service, he became a journeyman electrician and a member of Union IBEW #481, working with both Barth Electric Co. and Long Electric in Indianapolis, retiring in 1999. He belonged both to the Elks and Eagles Lodges, but was most passionately involved with Optimist International, where he received many awards and recognitions, and served in many offices, including Indiana District Governor in 1982-1983. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Monday, December 13, 2010 and from 10 to 11 am Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. Funeral services will be at 11 am Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Optimist Club of Shelby County, P.O. Box 1244, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or First Christian Church Food Pantry Matthew 25:35, 118 W. Washington Street, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.