Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Kenneth Lykens, 80

Kenneth Lykens Picture Obit MF

Kenneth Lykens, 80,  of Ward, went home to Our Lord on March 22, 2016. He was born to George and Mary Lykens on January 18, 1936 in Pennsylvania. Ken was deeply devoted to his wife, Debbie, and their son, Chris (Amber) and grandchildren, Belle, Tom, Bailey and Emma.

Ken proudly served his nation in the US Army for 20 years. He was a Vietnam Veteran and was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal (3D Award), Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal and two Overseas Bars.

The family moved to Arkansas in 1988, and Ken worked for Southern Cotton Oil until he began serving his community as a volunteer firefighter for Ward and later as a police officer for both the Ward Police Department and Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office. He was selected as a LCSO Deputy of the Year in 2000. During his 23 years with the Law Enforcement Brotherhood, Ken became involved in aiding abused children and was a strong supporter of the Wade Knox Children’s Advocacy Center in Lonoke. He was known as a tough but fair man who believed that our children must be raised with love and discipline and protected at all times. Ken would tell friends that moving his family to Arkansas was the 2nd best decision he ever made.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Lykens. Left to cherish their memories is his wife, Debbie, son, Chris (Amber), four grandchildren, sister, Nellie, brothers, Frank (Patsy), Earl (Mary) and George Jr., his dear sister-in-law, Cheryl Charbonneau and brothers-in-law, Bruce Bell and Steve Bell, and many friends in the community that he loved.

Following 9 a.m. service at Cornerstone Assembly of God Church in Ward on March 28, 2016, Patriot Guard Riders will provide an escort to Ken’s resting place at the North Little Rock Veteran’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wade Knox Children’s Advocacy Center in Lonoke, Arkansas.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Jacksonville.  501-982-3400

http://videos.lifetributes.com/685773

14 Comments

  • Shelly Smith Posted March 23, 2016 5:37 PM

    I am so saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. He was such a wonderful man…always kind and funny. My thoughts, prayers and love are with Debbie, Chris, Belle and their extended family.

  • Scott, Lesley, Tyler, and Spencer Munn Posted March 23, 2016 5:54 PM

    We love you Chris and family. Our deepest sympathies during this very difficult time.

    • emma Posted March 19, 2017 11:50 PM

      thank you

  • Midge and Rupert Burruss Posted March 23, 2016 6:22 PM

    So sorry to hear about cousin Kenny passing. We had a lot of great memories of our families visit in Pa and New York. We enjoy their visit to our home and we had a lot of fun when they visited. If walls could talk we would be in trouble, we were so terrible at times, but good times. I know we haven’t seen him in years but we talked here on face book often. His present is gone but his memories will live on forever. Our condolences to his family and love ones. With God love he will get them thru this sad time and God bless them all.

  • John Staley Posted March 23, 2016 8:57 PM

    Ken is going to be missed by many….love this fella

  • Tarno Jr. Family Posted March 23, 2016 10:43 PM

    Will miss seeing Mr. Ken around. He will be deeply missed by many.

  • Cathy Jackson Posted March 24, 2016 12:29 PM

    He was such a good person to work with,he was one of a kind, we will miss him and won’t soon forget him. RIP Ken Lykens

  • Nellie Lykens Posted March 24, 2016 1:40 PM

    My oldest brother may be gone from this earthly journey; but my memory of him will last me as long as I live. My condolence is going out to my Sister-in-Law Debbie and her family, as well as my living brothers (George, Earl and Frank); plus all Kenny’s friends. May each of you find comfort from our Heavenly Father at this time of loss of Kenneth.

  • Butch Phillips Posted March 24, 2016 2:07 PM

    Ken was a good man

  • Jim and Sandy Ranio Posted March 24, 2016 3:30 PM

    We are so sorry to learn of Kenny’s passing….knew him from our childhood days playing football, softball,etc in our Valley View backyards. Lots of good memories. Our deepest sympathy to his family, brothers and sister.

  • Allen m Posted March 25, 2016 12:52 PM

    Wendi and I will miss you partner
    42

  • James Kulesa Posted March 27, 2016 1:51 PM

    I went to the academy with Ken he was a great guy

  • DEBORAH MARTIN HAAS Posted March 27, 2016 7:05 PM

    It was an honor to have worked with Ken at the LCSD,he was always a gentlemen and very serious about his work. If we had more men like Ken in this world it would be a safer world ,Ken will be missed,Loved You Ken.

  • Elmer Graham Posted March 31, 2016 4:44 PM

    I started my police career out at Ward Pd, Bufford and Ken was always their to help up new officers find our way.
    I soon learned that Ken Lykens was a proud United States Army Soldier, he never really retired, he always carried on in the Army Way of Life. I had a lot of fun being around and picking at Ken Lykens. I always had a lot of respect for Ken Lykens. I am Sad to hear he has left us,
    My Heart tells me that Ken immediately Joined Heaven’s Police force and is guarding the gates of Heaven.
    So I figure when I get to the Gates of Heaven, Ken Lykens will be on Guard Duty
    God Bless The Lykens Family and Friends.

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