HAGGARD, Kenneth
Climax Kenneth M. Haggard, Sr. age 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, at the Autumn Days Dementia Specialty Care Unit of the VA Hospital in Battle Creek, MI. He was born in Climax to Robert and Bernice Aldrich Haggard on April 24, 1921 and spent his entire life in the Climax community. He married Beulah Evelyn Mills in San Antonio, Texas on November 30, 1942, and together they had three children: Diana George Ebinger of Climax, Debra George Wunder of Florida and Kenneth Haggard, Jr. of Climax. He has seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, as well as a number of Nieces and nephews. Ken was a Veteran of World War II, and flew 50 missions in the European Theatre of Operation. For his service to his country, he was awarded the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and others. Upon his return from the war, he worked for Eberstein Motor Sales in Climax for 26 years before being employed by the Kellogg Company from which he retired in 1983. While attending Galesburg High School, he lettered in football before transferring to Climax High School where he graduated in 1940. Ken was a Charter Member of the Climax-Scotts American Legion Post #465, as well as a Past Commander of the Post and served in the Legion's Color Guard for a number of years. He, along with his comrades, volunteered their spare time to construct the building which still houses the American Legion Post on south 44th St. Ken loved his family and friends and working with his hands. Outdoor sports were always his passion, along with fishing and stock car racing. The family will receive friends at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Climax Chapel, 205 E. Maple St. on Saturday, beginning at 1:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM. Interment, with full military honors, will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Legion Baseball Program. Please visit
www.langelands.com
for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 269 343-1508