SHIPSHEWANA -- Kevin S. Tackman, 48, of Shipshewana, died at 4:09 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 22, 2009) in Elkhart General Hospital after an extended illness.

He was born Aug. 17, 1961, in Bay City, Mich., to Walter and Sharlene (Kazmierski) Tackman. On March 17, 2000, he married Laurie Ann Carter in Middlebury.

She survives along with two daughters, Sarah Tackman of Bristol and Jennifer Jarman of Niles, Mich.; two sons, Alexander Tackman of Shipshewana and William Bray of Auburn; one brother, Scott Tackman of Elkhart; two former stepchildren, Jerome Posey of Warsaw and Christine Kilden of Goshen; and four grandchildren, Alexsis, Aidyn, Jonathan and Jordan.

Mr. Tackman was a graduate of Western High School in Bay City. He earned his bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Ferris State University. He was a member of American Legion Post 143 in Bristol, a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Middlebury and later attended Scott United Methodist Church in Shipshewana. He was employed with Kautexin in Avilla and prior to that, he was employed with Patrick Industries, Cequent Towing Products, Benteler Automotive, Tenneco Automotive and Nishakawa Standard.

Mr. Tackman was an avid outsdoorman who spent much time fishing and hunting big game. He traveled extensively, enjoyed crossword puzzles, Notre Dame football and spending time with his four grandchildren. He loved his dog, Chi Chi, and his favorite automobile, a 1966 Ford F-100 pickup.

Friends may call Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009, from 5 until 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral services on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Pastor Jeff Stedge of Scott United Methodist Church, Shipshewana, will officiate. Cremation is scheduled to follow services on Thursday. A luncheon will take place at American Legion Post 143, 905 Maple St., Bristol, at noon on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009.

Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.