HOLTON- Kenneth Franklin “Kenny” Bickford, 92, of Holton, KS, passed away Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Medicalodge Jackson County. He was born October 14, 1928 in Burlingame, KS, 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 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 Spotter of Jackson County, Volunteer Fireman -serving as Fire Captain for rural Fire Department 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 Holton and Hiawatha Race Tracks.

          Kenny also enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, coyote hunting and family time.

          Kenny married Louise A. Basel on August 30, 1951 in Mountain Home, AR. They celebrated nearly 70 years of marriage.

          Survivors include his wife, Louise of the home; 4 sons, Steven Bickford (Brenda) of Topeka, KS, Michael Bickford (Millie) of Holton, KS, Timothy Bickford (Vivian) of Valley Falls, KS and Barry Bickford (Linda) of North Platte, NE; 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

          He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Nellie Bickford; 2 grandsons, Cameron and Brandon Bickford; 6 sisters, Opal Davis, Barbara Hughes, Betty Mayo, Arlene Nott, Doris Reding and Sue Stewart and 6 brothers, Clifford, Darrell, Leland, LeRoy, Wendell and Leo Bickford.

          Kenny was cremated. Family will greet friends from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Private Family Inurnment will be 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) c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.