3/21/2015
Kenneth L. Lichty of Lancaster, PA died of natural causes at the age of 80 years old on Saturday, March 21, 2015 in Fort Myers, FL. Ken was predeceased by a son, Timothy D. Lichty in January 2014.
Born in Paradise, PA, he was the son of the late Clyde B. and Verna E. Lichty. He was married 59 years to Marianne Kendig Lichty.
Ken graduated from Paradise High School in 1952, and started working at the age of 17 for New Holland Machine Co. He was known as a very hard working, dedicated employee throughout his over 39 year career. The company grew and evolved first to Sperry New Holland, then Ford New Holland, before he retired in the early 1990’s. He then worked part time for the Jay Group, and managed the Lapp Electric Storage business for several years.
During his long and successful New Holland career, he and Marianne traveled to many parts of the world, and also enjoyed annual family beach vacations to Ocean City, MD, and Bethany Beach, DE. Together they made new friends everywhere they went and a lifetime of memories and stories.
Ken served the Paradise Leaman Place Fire Company as Treasurer for 25 years, and on the East Lampeter Township Zoning Hearing Board. He taught Sr. High Sunday School at St. John’s UMC in Paradise. He and Marianne enjoyed playing pinochle with friends, Square Dancing, bowling, fishing, gardening and golf, while raising three children in Soudersburg, and Ronks, PA. He assisted Marianne with the Park City Christmas Gift Wrap for charity, and was the “go to guy” for many years to wrap many unusual gifts that did not fit in a box. Ken was also a charter member of the Wild Dogs Lodge in Eagles Mere, PA.
Retiring early, Ken began to further enjoy his many creative talents. He made wooden “Bug Boxes”, cross stitch pictures, and made bead bracelets for family, friends, and all the waitresses that served them from PA to FL on their many trips. He also loved taking the growing number of grandkids in cart rides with his Ford riding mower. He and Marianne began spending both Fall and Winters in Florida in recent years.
In addition to his wife, Marianne, Ken is survived by a son, Michael D. Lichty, wife Cheryl; daughter, Teresa A. Banks, husband Clayton; daughter-in-law, Jane L. Lichty; grandchildren: Jason, Rick, Joe, Chrissy, Katlyn, Adam, Emily and step granddaughter Lori; a great-granddaughter, Autumn; a sister, Peggy L. Balla; a niece, Sheri and a nephew, Bill; many cousins and their families.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to his Celebration of Life during a drop-in visitation on Saturday, Apr. 25, 2015 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Community Club House of The Oaks, 291 Black Oak Dr., Lancaster, PA 17602. Kindly omit flowers. Memorials are welcomed to the charity of one's choice. Private interment of ashes will be in St. John's U. M. Cemetery, Paradise.