Kenneth P. Callicott

Kenneth P. Callicott was born on October 7th, 1923 on a farm 5 miles southwest of Harrison, Arkansas, the son of Alter Bayard Callicott and Mary Ben Callicott. Kenneth attended Harrison Public Schools and was a member of Future Farmers of America in which he attended several conventions in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a graduate of Harrison High School, class of 1941. After high school he attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas for a period of two years where he studied engineering.

In August of 1944 he was drafted into military service with the Army. He attended basic training and was sent to Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia. After graduation he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, Infantry Division. In the spring of 1945 he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, 12th Regiment and was stationed in Yokohama, Japan. He spent one year in the occupation of Japan. He separated from military service in the fall of 1946. Kenneth then moved to Memphis, Tennessee and obtained a position with The Cotton Department First National Bank. It was in Memphis that he met the love of his life, Mary C. “Tyke” Landree whom he married on January 14, 1948. He remained faithfully by her side until his death.

Kenneth and Tyke moved to Lawrence, Kansas in January of 1948 so Kenneth could study engineering at The University of Kansas. He was a member of the Dean’s List but a lingering illness contracted during his military service forced him to withdrawal in the fall of 1948. He worked two years for the Douglas County Engineering Department. In May of 1951 he went to work for FMC Corporation and worked there until 1969. Upon leaving FMC he was head manager of the purchasing department. In the summer of 1969, Kenneth became a licensed Real Estate Agent affiliated with McGrew Real Estate and became a partner with the firm in 1970. He retired in 1985.

In his spare time Kenneth loved to hunt and fish, a joy he often shared with friends and family. He especially loved quail and duck hunting. He was a promoter of the firearms safety course to all his grandsons. He also loved rooting on the Kansas Jayhawks and was a long time season ticket holder for KU football games. He was extremely fond of Big Band Music and Kenneth and Tyke took many trips to see The Jack Morgan Orchestra. He was President of The Knife and Fork club from 1971-1972 and was also the President of Douglas County Sportsman’s Club. Although he was not a member of St. Johns Church of the Evangelist he enjoyed attending Sunday Mass as well as St. John school functions with his wife and family. He was quiet and private about his faith but was quick to point out that he had a strong relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Most of all, Kenneth loved spending time with his family. He never passed up an opportunity to have lunch with his children or grandchildren. Later in life, Kenneth enjoyed regular visits from his great-grandchildren.

Kenneth was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who will be missed but not forgotten. Survivors include his with wife, Mary “Tyke” of Lawrence, daughters Nancy (Dennis) Copp of Lawrence, Donna (Scot) Hoffman of Lawrence and Mary “Punkin” (Art) Cherico of Hemingway, South Carolina. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2014 at St. Johns the Evangelist Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 12th Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.

The family suggests memorials in his name to Ducks Unlimited, Harding University in Searcy, AR, or St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Building Fund and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

15 Condolences

  1. Sharon Vesecky on February 10, 2014 at 2:01 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss.
    Sharon



  2. Scott Barnhart on February 10, 2014 at 3:37 pm

    The World lost a good man in Mr. Callicott…..
    He was one of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever met… I remember many a Saturday helping him load his firewood and knowing him on many other occasions… God Bless his family in this time of mourning and as they reflect on his long and full life…



  3. George and Cheryl Hunsinger. on February 10, 2014 at 4:05 pm

    Tyke, Donna, and family, Wow where do I begin. We were very saddened to learn of Ken’s passing. This is one of the first neighbor’s I think I ever remember, as a kid. I can remember Punkin giving me horse rides, while Ken and my dad talked. I will miss his wisdom, that he always passed on to me. He gave me some of that wisdom, when my dad passed, and he gave me more of his wisdom, when we got married. I always enjoyed helping him out with a problem he would be having with his tractors. If you guys need anything, you best call me. I’m just down the road, and I remember when donna came a visited me with goodies, why my dad passed. God bless you all, you are in our thoughts and prayers.



  4. Tom and Dee Jerome on February 10, 2014 at 8:27 pm

    We are sending our sympathy and holding all of you close in our daily prayers.



  5. Becky (Guthrie) Kester on February 11, 2014 at 10:30 am

    Tyke, Nancy, and family–

    I’m so glad I got to see you all the other day at Grandma’s funeral and wish I could be there for Ken’s. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

    Becky Kester
    Sue Guthrie’s daughter



  6. Kathy & Don Flory on February 11, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    Even though we didn’t know your Dad real well he seemed like such a wonderful man. I know you are all very close and that you can draw comfort from each other, all the wonderful memories , and the love of God. Thinking of you all . A special hug to Donna, Janell & Justinm



  7. Harold Marcum on February 11, 2014 at 9:37 pm

    Message for Tyke Callicott, Donna and Scot Hoffman, Nancy (Callicott) Copp. Our world was made better for having known Ken Callicott.
    Harold Marcum



  8. Dale Seele on February 11, 2014 at 10:47 pm

    Many thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time for both of our families. Dale



  9. Bonnie (Phillips) Starkey on February 12, 2014 at 4:19 am

    Tyke and Nancy – Like Becky, I am so glad I got to see you and Ken at Marge’s funeral last week and am so sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family strength and peace.



  10. Karen Parsons on February 12, 2014 at 8:35 am

    My dear family,
    I am so sorry for your loss! I enjoyed many evenings at your home growing up, and your dad helped get me into my new house in Baldwin where I raised my 3 sons. The last time I saw your dad, you were at the Vinland fair enjoying my favorite also, Chicken and noodles! May you be assured your dad was one that will be missed and I am very happy to have known him. Even though he was my dad’s boss, they were more like friends. I am going to try to visit tonight. I would love to meet with any/all of you at another time just to visit. May God Bless you all during this difficult time.
    love,
    Karen Parsons and family



  11. chris copp on February 13, 2014 at 9:15 am

    Very sorry to hear about your Dad. Even though I never met him he sounds like a wonderful man and your love for him will always be with you.



  12. Lois Mersmann on February 13, 2014 at 9:16 am

    Donna and family,

    We are sorry for your loss. Hold the memories of your father close to your heart. May God grant you peace at this difficult time.

    Peace,
    Lois and Fred Mersmann



  13. Bob Terlesky on February 13, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers.



  14. Charlotte Talley on February 13, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    Callicott family – My son and I send our deepest condolences for your loss. You were so kind to attend my grandmother’s memorial service last week. You are in our thoughts.

    Charlotte Talley and Ahmad Murayan
    (Dennis Talley’s daughter and grandson)



  15. Kent Bradley on February 15, 2014 at 10:57 pm

    My thoughts are with the entire Callicott Family.



Leave a Condolence