WAKARUSA — A 56-year age gap separates Wayne Loucks and his grandson, Ethan Evers, but many of their differences end there.

Sure, at 64 years old, Loucks’ hair is gray, and he’s about a foot and half taller than his 8-year-old grandson, but it’s all in the smile. When they’re out and about together, the pair gets comments on their similar features, especially their friendly grins.

Loucks and Evers were the top vote getters in The Elkhart Truth’s 2012 Father-Child Look-Alike Contest. After four days, the duo earned 1,861 votes online and edged out the other five finalists.

Loucks and Evers, a student at Wakarusa Elementary School, have a tight-knit relationship. They live less than a mile away from each other and get together a few times a week to go bicycling or four-wheeling in the woods.

“He’s really nice, and he’s really fun to shoot baskets with,” Evers said about his grandfather, who he calls Papa Wayne.

Evers said one of his favorite ways to spend time with his grandfather is camping in his backyard and, of course, the homemade breakfast that comes the next morning.

“He makes my favorite breakfast,” Evers said. “Eggs, bacon, potatoes and cinnamon toast.”

Evers is the oldest of Loucks’ four grandchildren, and Loucks’ believes their similarities go beyond their appearances.

“Ethan is very compassionate to others and people who are less fortunate, and I’m the that way also,” Loucks said. “He’s a joy to be around. He’s a good kid.”

Rundown of votes in the 2012 Father-Child Look-Alike Contest

• Wayne Loucks and Ethan Evers: 1,861

• Rodney and TJ Feiler: 1,273

• Kelly and Olson Marbaugh: 1,341

• Ryan and Mason Bailey: 792

• Larry and Donald Curtis: 164

• Sean and Preston Ryan: 201