Norman J. Fike

Norman J. Fike of Easton, MD, formerly of Cordova, MD, died on Sunday, October 22, 2006 at William Hill Manor, Easton. He was 89. Born November 17, 1916 in Palmyra, PA, he was the son of the late Rev. Albert J. Fike and Sallie Fike Myer. At the age of four, he and his family moved to Maryland where he grew up on “Orchard Knob” near Dover Bridge and then moved to Richland Orchard near Skipton. After graduating from high school in 1936, he worked and learned the orchard business. In 1941, after the death of Judge Mason Shehan, Norman and his father bought the farm that was known as Richland Orchard Farm, Albert J.Fike & Son. In 1949, at the time of his father’s death, Norman became the owner of Richland Orchard Farm-Norman J. Fike and served the public with fresh fruit for many years. A member of the Church of The Brethren for seventy years, he served as church treasurer, a member of the Deacon Board, a member of the choir and male chorus. He served as President of the State Horticulture Society for two years in the 1940’s as well as numerous years serving county and state organizations in leadership roles including the County and State Farm Bureau, County and State Soil Conservation Service, Talbot County Zoning Board, State Tax Assessors Appeals Board and was active on various committees promoting school integration. He was part of a group of Farm Leaders Tour that visited four countries in the South Pacific in the interest of agriculture. In 1993, Mr. Fike and his family received the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame Award. His abilities and willingness to serve have been recognized throughout the County and State. Mr. Fike is survived by Annice E. Fike, his wife of 68 years; his son, Samuel Kenneth Fike and his wife Christine of Cordova; daughters, Sallie F. Griswold and her husband Jim of Easton, and Norma L. Trax and her husband John of Easton; grandchildren, Marcia T. Bussey and her husband Ray of Severn, MD, Steven B. Trax and his wife Jennifer of Vienna, VA, Julie Reynolds of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Kimberly R. LeCompte and her husband Art of Easton, Samuel K. Fike, Jr. and his wife Marybeth of Cordova, and Christy Paugh and her husband George of Easton; and great-grandchildren, Caitlyn and Christopher Bussey, Tyler Cherry, Zachary and Peyton Paugh, Sam and Amber Fike, and Davis and Eli Trax. He was predeceased by two grandchildren, Tina Renee Reynolds and Robin Michelle Fike. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 10:00 AM at the Easton Church of The Brethren. Friends may call on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 PM at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton, MD. Burial will be at Fairview Church Cemetery, Cordova, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Easton Church of The Brethren Building Fund, 412 S. Harrison St., Easton, MD 21601.