Kenneth D. Wickham

Kenneth D. Wickham, 94, formerly of Enola, passed away on the morning of Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Messiah Lifeways, Mechanicsburg. He was the son of the late William G. and Ruth E. (Sorn) Wickham, born on July 19, 1929 in Cleveland.

Ken was born and raised in Cuyahoga County, OH, graduating from John Adams High School (Class of 1947). Editor of the high school’s newspaper, the publication would be nationally recognized, winning the 13^th Annual Pacemaker Award. He went on to Case Western Reserve University, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree before serving his country in the U.S. Army as a Korean War Veteran. He spent his two years in Korea and then Japan before returning home to his patiently waiting young bride, Barbara. He was a giving person and spent his life in pursuit of helping others. Ken entered the workforce as a social worker before transitioning to a position that specialized in the raising and allocating of funds for non-profits and charitable organizations. This profession would take Ken and his family to Chicago, IL, and then in 1967, to Central Pennsylvania, where he would work for Community Services of PA. In this capacity, he was instrumental in helping the United Way of PA while also becoming a go-to resource when opinions and advocacy were needed on the legislative side of things. Ken found this government relations role to be very rewarding, as he worked alongside Governor Casey and Lt. Governor Singel to help so many struggling Pennsylvanians.

And while he cared about all those around him, it was no surprise that he focused on the importance of his own family as well. His decision to retire at age 62 gave him the ability to travel with Barbara and to have more time with his children and grandchildren. He was a wonderful father and husband, and he always made Christmas a larger-than-life event. Nothing made Ken happier than having his entire clan in one place, enjoying one another, and watching his family grow. Summer vacations to the shore were a big deal too; when his grandchildren were young, he’d lead exciting nightly beach expeditions by flashlight. Ken had a lifelong interest in model trains and fishing. He took pride in building elaborate HO train sets in the basements of his homes, and he would get into the larger models later in life. He set a wonderful example for his family, and they will cherish the support and love he showed them all his life.  

Surviving Ken are his children, Rand A. Wickham (wife, Michelle) and Leslie W. Fawber (husband, Don), both of Etters; five grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Barbara “Babs” (Horton) Wickham; and a brother, Robert Wickham.

A committal service will be held at 10AM on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest alongside his wife.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Messiah Lifeways Endowment Fund, 100 Mt. Allen Drive, P.O. Box 2015, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.