Kenny Bickford 1928-2021
Kenneth Franklin “Kenny” Bickford, 92, of Holton, passed away Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, at Medicalodges Jackson County.
He was born Oct. 14, 1928, in Burlingame, the son of Roy and Nellie (Cappen) Bickford.
Kenny graduated from Soldier High School in 1946. He worked for local farmers, helping with chores in his early years. He worked with Don Collins as Deputy Sheriff, given Badge #1; he worked at Quality Oil for 37 years; he owned and operated his snow removal service for many years; and he worked for Paul Anderson Construction, working up to foreman. He was Banner Creek Park Attendant on the south side for 14 years and grew and sold vegetables. One year he bought a whole trailer of pumpkins to give away.
He was in charge of Storm Spotters of Jackson County and was a volunteer fireman, serving as fire captain for rural fire departments for 20 years. He coached Little League and Pony League baseball. Kenny enjoyed dressing as Santa Claus for the children of Jackson and surrounding counties. He belonged to Holton Eagles Club and was the “head dog” for the Holton and Hiawatha race tracks.
Kenny also enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, coyote hunting and family time.
Kenny married Louise A. Basel on Aug. 30, 1951, in Mountain Home, Ark. They celebrated nearly 70 years of marriage.
Survivors include his wife, Louise, of the home; four sons, Steven Bickford (Brenda) of Topeka, Michael Bickford (Millie) of Holton, Timothy Bickford (Vivian) of Valley Falls and Barry Bickford (Linda) of North Platte, Neb.; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Nellie Bickford; two grandsons, Cameron and Brandon Bickford; six sisters, Opal Davis, Barbara Hughes, Betty Mayo, Arlene Nott, Doris Reding and Sue Stewart; and six brothers, Clifford, Darrell, Leland, LeRoy, Wendell and Leo Bickford.
Kenny was cremated. Family will greet friends from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Brandon and Cameron Bickford Memorial Scholarship Fund or Banner Creek Reservoir (to be designated for the South Side Tree Fund), sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
