Lou Obituary (1953 - 2023) - Madisonville, KY

Louis "Lou" John Zirko, Jr. 69 passed away Thursday, December 07, 2023 in Madisonville KY. Louis was born on December 10, 1953 in Elgin, Illinois to the late Louis John Zirko, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Krewson Zirko and was also proceeded in death by Forrest G. Shelton. Louis's father was in the Army and was a purple heart recipient. Louis's father died in 1954 at the age of 31. Mom had remarried in 1956, to Forrest Shelton, who was in the Army till he retired in which we moved here in 1967. During that time growing up we traveled all over the United States and lived in France during Cuban Crisis, as well as touring countries of Germany, Amsterdam, Holland, went to Brussels World's Fair, the Netherlands and Belgium. Louis played football as a tackle and played with Sonny Collins. Louis ran track and threw disc spot put at Madisonville North Hopkins High School where Mr. Bob Thomas was his coach. Louis held the Kentucky state record for spot put disc throwing. He was inducted into the hall of fame 2 times where his name still stands on the football stadium for football and for shot put. Louis graduated with honors in 1971 from Madisonville North Hopkins High School. Louis got a 4 year all paid football scholarship at Wake Forest College at Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Louis worked at Ligon Trucking where he learned the Computer Business and went on to be a Programmer Analyst. That was when computers were just taking off in Businesses so Louis got to travel all over the United States setting up computers in Businesses, Hospitals, and Factories. Louis then went on to work at Goodyear Tire in Madisonville, Kentucky in the Human Relations Department for many years. During that time the Goodyear Blimp made a stop to Anton Airport and the whole family got to ride up in the blimp as one of their promotions. Louis later left and went to Alabama and worked at Elk Roofing Company in the office. Louis came back home to Madisonville where he graduated 1986 from Southern Indiana University, Evansville, Indiana with a Masters. Louis then went to Goodletsville, Tennessee where he worked for Northern Telecom. Louis then went to Jasper, Indiana and worked at Jasper Engines. Upon returning to Madisonville he continued working in computer programming and installation. Louis was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, a past member of the Sons of American Legion, Madisonville, Kentucky and he was also a Mason. Louis loved his sports and watched them faithfully no matter if it was morning, noon, or night! Louis loved cars and had a Shelby KR 500 convertible which he loved as well as his other brother Charles "Chuck" Morse ll, in which they had the time of their lives. Later on he took up the hobby of being a Chef and growing his own herbs. Louis would post some of his meals on Facebook with pictures. Louis had a best friend named MAX (dog), that was his child and company for 15 years till his time this past year. Louis gave a gift of life to the Kentucky Organ Donor Association which part of him will always live on for he helped someone in need. Louis had a strong and close bond with his sister Margaret through the years, and a very special bond with his niece Jennifer, since her birth always calling her his "Little Stinker Pot"! Louis had a special brother for 52 years till his death in which they were both welcomed at each other Family for meals and companionship, as well at the Holidays. For many years they had standing seats with Chuck's father and brothers at the Indianapolis 500. Charles (Chuck) Morse ll could not have been a better brother to our family and to Louis! Louis is survived by his sister, Margaret (Ronnie) Zirko Davis Vaughn, his niece, Jennifer Davis Littlepage Farmer, his great niece, Johanna (Ben Tidwell) Parker, great nephew, Kodie Littlepage and our other brother Charles (Chuck), (Debbie), Morse ll Memorial services will be held at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home Monday December 18, 2023 from 11:00 A.M. until the service time at 1:00 P.M with Charles "Chuck" Morse ll officiating. The family would like to give a special thanks to Barnett-Strother Funeral Home staff, especially Elisha Strader for all her compassion and helpfulness.