Kenneth E. Hickam, age 79 of Ogallala, passed away at his home on Friday, July 3, 2009.

Ken was born November 11, 1929 in Las Animas, Colorado, the son of Thomas H. and Daisy E. (Reeves) Hickam. He graduated from high school in Las Animas in 1949 and was a businessman in Oregon and Colorado for many years before moving to Ogallala. He married Doris I. Moore on March 6, 1950 in Raton, N.M.

He had been a member of the Presbyterian Church, the Masonic Lodge and was Past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star. His community service included his serving as a city councilman, being a member of the volunteer fire department and he had been the President of his Lions Club. Ken had served as a goodwill ambassador for the State of Colorado in the 1960’s encouraging business growth on the front range. In 1973 Ken and Doris moved to Ogallala to open the Gambles store, to be known later as Hardware Hank. They retired from business in 1993.

Ken and Doris enjoyed traveling extensively both nationally and internationally. They spent many winters in Arizona after their retirement. He enjoyed golfing, trap shooting, hunting, square dancing, billiards, gardening and bird watching. He was a very much beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Survivors include:

His wife, Doris Hickam of Ogallala

Son, Kendall and wife Roberta Hickam of Ogallala

Daughters, Marsha and husband Melvin Biggs of Norwich, VT

Cheri and husband Dan Witko of Gering, NE

Grandchildren, Megan Jehorek of Ogallala

Lindsey Ferland of Claremont, NH

Kathryn Kraus of Grand Island, NE

Kevin Biggs of Diablo, WA

Sarah Biggs of Norwich, VT

Melanie Edwards of Gering, NE

Kay Bohl of Gering, NE

Brian Edwards of Gering, NE

And several great grandchildren

Sisters, Velma and husband Jim Dodge of Portland, OR

Edna and husband Bill Edgecomb of Bandon, OR

Brother, Donald and wife Coelena Hickam of Coquille, OR

Aunt, Elsie and husband Gene Korte of Boonville, MO

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Hickam and Daisy Huntley.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at the Ogallala United Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Miller officiating. Cremation was chosen and there will be no visitation. A memorial has been established for Cancer Research at the Mayo Clinic in his memory.

Online condolences may be sent at gubserfuneralhome.com.

Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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