Obituary of Kenneth Robert Lichty

Kenneth Robert Lichty, 64, of Willow Park, Texas, passed away in hospice care at the Dallas VA Hospital on January 12, 2011, (our grandmother, Irene's, birth date) after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer. Ken grew up in the Akron/Bath area, and graduated from Revere High and the University of Akron. Ken proudly served his country, including a tour in Viet Nam from 1966-68. Ken worked in management at McNeil Corporation before moving to Texas in the late 70s, where he worked in management at several companies including LTV and JD Plastics. In later years, Ken owned his own landscaping business, Trees on the Gro, for 15 years and was well liked and respected by his friends and clients alike for his hard work, strong work ethic, honesty, and crazy, endearing sense of humor. Ken's love of his children always came first, followed by his passion for gardening, hunting, fishing, and cooking. His clients and neighbors alike were frequent recipients of his bountiful vegetable garden. Everyone who knew him benefited from his generosity, and loved his ornery grin and laugh. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Jack (KR) and Nell Lichty, and his only son, Kenneth Ross, at the age of 19. Ken dearly loved and will be missed by his daughter, Jennifer Lauren of Atlanta, Georgia; his cousins, Jack (Fran) Doll, Shirley (Clay) Wagner, all of the Akron area; Pat Chitty of New York; and Caryn Armbruster (pictured) of Akron, to whom he was more of a brother, her best friend, and her gardening and cooking mentor; and many second cousins. He also leaves his dear canine companion, Heidi, many close friends, and his wife of three years Penny Felton of Arlington, Texas. Ken was very blessed with wonderful friends and neighbors. Sincerest gratitude is extended to neighbors, Wally and Katie Mayou, who took care of and watched over him daily during the times his cancer seemed to be winning. In between, Ken's positive attitude could be an example to all as he delved into his gardening, remodeling projects at his home, and traveling. He said the gardening and remodeling "gave him something to look forward to or else he'd die." His son's best friend, Josh Elsholtz, also deserves much credit for tackling any task Ken asked of him, from landscaping, to taking him to his chemo treatments when he was too weak to drive, to administering the needed shots after his treatments. May God bless them all. Ken always wished, upon his death, that his body be donated for medical research. As it may take up to 2 years for his cremains to be returned to Akron, a funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, May 14, at 10:00 a.m., with calling hours at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Paul's Church, for Ken, his son Kenny, and his parents, Nell and Jack, whose ashes will be buried at Holy Cross Cemetery with other family members following Mass. Ken's cremains will be buried with his family at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans (Cincinnati , OH 45250-0301 or online at www.dav.org/donations ), who were extremely helpful in getting Ken the veteran's benefits he earned when his health finally prevented him from working. We will always love you and miss you, Kenny. Anthony Funeral Homes 330.724.1281 anthonyfh@neo.rr.com