Ora “Mick”
R.
Secrest
Obituary
Ora “Mick” R. Secrest, 86, of Mooresville, Indiana passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family on February 2, 2022. Mick was born on October 17 , 1935 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Briant and Beatrice (Kratzman) Secrest. He attended Central Catholic High School in Fort Wayne. At the age of 17, with his mother’s consent, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He trained at MCRD, Camp Pendleton and Quantico. He then served overseas at the US Embassy in Panama City, Panama for 29 months and remained a life long Marine in essence.
Mick returned to Fort Wayne gaining employment with Joslyn Stainless Steel for 14 years prior to managing and retiring from Hall’s Prime Rib. He married the love of his life, Rosemary Taylor on September 27, 1958. They were blessed with 5 children, Michael, Marilyn, Martin, Marjorie and Matthew. They enjoyed traveling and spent 10 years residing in Ft Myers, Florida. Missing their children and grandchildren, they moved back to Indiana. Mick was a hard working and devoted family man.
His hobbies had included gardening, swimming, reading, cross word puzzles and caring for his lawn. He had been awarded the “Lawn of the Month” several times while living in Fort Wayne. He was passionate about helping anyone with immediate needs, whether financially or with clothes and food. He had volunteered at St. Pat’s Soup Kitchen in Fort Wayne and Resurrection Church Guild in Fort Myers. He was so proud of the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would make sure that he told them so. Nothing made him happier than having them visit.
Mick is survived by his wife Rosemary of 63 years; sons, Michael Secrest of Claypool, IN; Martin (Jane) Secrest of Fort Wayne; Matthew of Mooresville, IN; daughters, Marilyn (Sterling) Burgdorf of Brown County, IN and Marjorie (Patrick) Connor of Indianapolis; 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren with one to be born in March. His sister, Sarah Ehrman of Fort Wayne survives also, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Briant; mother and step-father, Beatrice and Franklin Miller; brother, Edward Miller; and daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Secrest.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 with a rosary at 8 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at St. Judes Catholic Church, 2130 Pemberton Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 with calling one hour prior.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Holy Family Shelter, 907 N Holmes Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222 1-317-635-7830 or Harvest Food Pantry at St. Francis and Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 5901 Olive Branch Road, Greenwood, Indiana 46143 1-317-859-4673 ext 333.
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We are very sorry for your loss. The Secrest Family is in our prayers today!
My condolences to the Secrest family. My first job was as a busboy at Halls Prime Rib and Mick was the first boss i ever had. He was a great first boss because he expected you to work hard and do things right. He definitely made a difference in my teenage years. I also remember as a very young kid walking into halls with my dad and Mick and my dad would always exchange greetings and kind words.
On behalf of Marine Corps League Detachment #1435 Pride and Purpose Fort Wayne, we extend our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to his wife, family and friends. While Mick was not a member of our Detachment, he was a Marine. Mick, you stand relieved. We have your watch. Rest easy, Marine. Fair winds and following seas. Semper Fidelis.
We worked with Mick and Rosemary for several years at Halls Prime Rib. He was always willing to help our work schedule to fit our college class itinerary. Mick was supportive of us and we have fond memories of those years. Our deep felt condolences to his family.
Im very sorry to learn of Micks passing. In college I worked next door at Parkview Liquors and Mick was always great about bringing me some food. Beyond that his sense of humor and work ethic were unmatched. Great guy. May he Rest In Peace.
Our condolences to the Secrest family. I got to know Mick during the early 70’s when we would all hang out at Hall’s east State. We were just bunch of teenagers and Mick occasionally would have to put us in our place. Mick was just a great guy who we all respected and listened to. He was also one of the best managers in the food business. I’m sure he will be missed. Kevin L Bazur, New York City
Mr. Secrest was my boss at Hall’s Prime Rib all through my high school and college years, he was always patient with me and one of the better bosses I have had. I am sorry for your loss.
Dear Mom, I am sorry you lost your best friend and husband of 63 years. Thankyou so much for being extremely strong, loving and caring. Mom, you took such wonderful care of Dad no matter how hard it got over the past year. Dad was very blessed with you taking care of him. Thankyou for letting us kids help you and take care of him at home.
Dad, thankyou for being a wonderful father. Thankyou, for the love, hugs, kisses, discipline, and fun we received from you growing up. We were very lucky to have you as parents.
Love ya, see ya later, never goodbye, Marjorie
Beautiful tribute to your parents. ️
The Schimmollers
My sincerest condolences to the Secrest Family. Many fun memories of Mr. Secrest and you all while visiting your home. God Bless.
Oh I am so sorry. Sending my prayers to the Secrest family. Mick was my very first boss. I was 15 and a half. He hired me to be a hostess and a cashier 43 years ago. I did some waitressing. It was the best first job anyone could ask for. My mom Sue Hobrock waited tables there too. It was like a family. Sending you all hugs and prayers.
I worked for Mick at Hall’s Prime Rib on State Street 38 years ago. I was 15 years old, he was firm but fair I have a ton of respect for him. I washed dishes,bust tables and within 6 months he had me working as a short order cook. I learned alot about business today watching him run that restaurant. Great Memories!