Earl W. Kickler

Wabash Valley profiles : a series of tributes to hometown people and events that have shaped our history

Description:	One typed page including photograph; biography of Earl Kickler, centenarian. ABASH VALLEY WP R O F I L E SA series of tributes to hometown people and events that have shaped our history.Earl W. Kicklersk Earl Kickler about a notable event during the 20th century and chances are hell recall the details. After all, he has been an eyewitness to all but 10 months of it. Born Oct. 30, 1900, to Fred W. and Louise (Morelock) Kickler Jr., Earl spent nearly half of his 100 years in service to Terre Haute First National Bank, joining the organization in 1922 as a clerk and retiring in 1969 as assistant vice president and cashier. He has fond memories of his banking career. For many years, he occupied the first desk to the left of the door at 643 Wabash Ave. For most of his youth, Kickler resided at 1433 S. Eighth St., one block from the home of future National Baseball Hall of Fame member Max Carnarius (Max Carey). For awhile, Earls father operated a bicycle repair shop and before Prohibition, his paternal grandfather owned and operated Kicklers Saloon at the northeast corner of Fourth and Walnut. Earls mother died May 19, 1914, when Earl was 13 years old. While still a student at Wiley High School, he worked to help support the family, including sister Alma. He was employed for five years by Levin Brothers wholesale dry goods store. He earned his diploma in 1919. Meanwhile, he learned to play several musical instruments, eventually heading the musical ensemble, Kicks Jazz Band. Even at 100 Kick still kicks up some mean tunes on the keyboard, happily playing all afternoon for visitors, he says. In 1931 Kickler wed the former Leona Thompson, who worked for Levinsons, Roots and Meis Bros. She died April 20, 1989, at age 92. Since his retirement 31 years ago, Earl stays busy assisting neighborhood friends, caring for several pets, participating in activities at the Church of Christ on Fifth Avenue, manicuring his lawn and playing the piano and organ. If prompted, Earl will reminisce about the disastrous 1913 tornado; Terre Hautes famous four-cornered harness racing track; The Human Fly scaling the side of the Tribune building in 1916; the 1918 Armistice Day parade in which he participated; the dramatic 1919 gun battle which claimed the life of his neighbor, detective Matt Dorley; or the raising of Hotel Deming (1914), the Sycamore Building (1922), the original Memorial Stadium (1924) and the current Terre Haute House (1927). As his 100th birthday draws near, he does not offer a formula for longevity. His mother died at age 38 and his father passed away April 10, 1942, at age 62. He still enjoys a good cigar, though he gave up cigarettes in 1945. His zest for life is contagious; he greets each day with unbridled enthusiasm. Without glasses, his vision is 20/30. He drives an automobile daily, often his sports car -- a green 1972 Pontiac Firebird. Everyone in town knows whose car that is, he says. Happy birthday, Earl. May you have many more. In honor of Earls 100th birthday, Terre Haute First National Bank will host a reception in the Main Office Boardroom at Sixth and Wabash from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, October 30. Friends are welcome to attend. RSVP to 238-6710 by 5 p.m. Friday, October 27.ATERRE HAUTE(812) 238-6000NATIONAL BANKAlways Close to HomeDate published: October 26, 2000Filename: Kickler, Earl profile
Origin:	2000-10-25
Created By:	McCormick, Mike
Publisher:	Terre Haute Tribune-Star
Source:	http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/vchs/id/558
Collection:	Vigo County Historical Society
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/
Copyright:	Copyright Undetermined
Subjects:	Kickler, Earl W., b. 1900 Centenarians Bankers People Social Life Business & Industry

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