Jack Morris Bickel, age 89, of Muncie, IN passed away Thursday evening 11/01/2018 with some of his family at his side at Ball Memorial Hospital's ICU due to having suffered cardiac arrest earlier in the day. Jack was born on March 3, 1929 in Toledo,OH to Ralph and Thelma Bickel.

Jack met and married Ruth Cline in Hartford City, IN on 04/17/1949 and continued their love and family building until his passing.

Jack loved education and graduated from Hartford City High School in Hartford City, IN in 1947. He later received a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education in 1958, and went on to receive his Master's Degree in 1972 from Ball State University.

Jack began his career with the Nickel Plate Railroad in Peru, IN and retired after more than 20 years of service.  Jack began his teaching career about 1958 during his tenure with the Railroad and retired from teaching and coaching in 2006.

Jack is survived by his wife, Ruth Bickel of Muncie, IN; (6) Children:  Marta (Greg) Johnson of Fremont, MI, Dan (Reenie) Bickel of Eau Claire, WI, Dave (Barb) Bickel of Bates City, MO, Jon (Kelly) Bickel of Ashland, VA, Ron (Karen) Bickel of Bellville, IL, and Laurie (Rob) McHenry of Belton, MO; (15) Grandchildren, and (18) Great Grandchildren.

Jack was preceded in death by his father Ralph Bickel, mother Thelma Bickel, brother Delbert Bickel, sister Joan Schultz, nephew Johnny Bill Bickel, nephew Tim Schultz, nephew Mark Schultz, and his grandson Silas Johnson.

Jack loved GOD and his family. He also loved people, and was a faithful patron of Bob Evans in his daily visits to the counter. He never met a stranger and had a story to go with each person he knew. He took up running and it became his passion, running in rain or shine, sleet or snow, in sickness and in health.  He completed many full marathons and hundreds of 5 & 10 K races across the state of Indiana.

Jack was a lifelong member of Rising Hope Church in Muncie, IN, formerly the Cowing Drive Wesleyan Church.

Visitation will be on Monday, November 5, 2018 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at Union Chapel Ministries, 4622 N Broadway Ave, Muncie, IN. Final visitation preceding a Memorial Service will be on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM , with the Memorial service at 11:00 AM , also at the church. Lunch will be served at the church following the Memorial Service.  Rev. Michael Hewitt will be officiating.

Garden View Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.