Kenneth F Wickham

Kenneth's final wish was to remain in his home of over 60 years during his last days, and that wish was honored. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by love. His legacy of faith, humility, and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. While we mourn his loss, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life he now enjoys with his Savior.
Kenneth Floyd Wickham lived a long and meaningful life of 89 years as a humble servant of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A devoted husband of over 63 years to Diane Ingle Wickham, Kenneth was also a loving father to daughters Katrina Mason and Kenita Dougharty, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. A lifelong resident of the Dallas area, Kenneth was born and raised in Union Bower, a community that later became part of Irving, Texas. He shared many fond memories of his childhood home at the corner of Peters Road and Grauwyler Road. His father, Hugh L. Wickham Sr., was an ironworker who helped build many of the iconic buildings in the Dallas skyline - a legacy Kenneth cherished and proudly passed on to his grandsons. His mother, Jewel Wickham, was a devoted homemaker, and Kenneth remained close to her throughout her life. He grew up alongside his older brother, Hugh Jr. ("Junior").
Kenneth's family began attending First Baptist Church of Irving in 1941, when Kenneth was just a boy. FBC Irving became a foundational part of his spiritual life, and his love for the Lord grew deeply through years of worship and fellowship there.
Kenneth attended Union Bower School through 8th grade, then graduated from Irving High School. He continued his education at Navarro Junior College before joining the United States Air Force in 1956. His service took him across the country - notably to Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois and Randolph AFB in San Antonio - broadening his perspective and helping him understand his place in the world. He served honorably for four years and was discharged as an Airman First Class in 1960.
Following his military service, Kenneth worked briefly at Federal Sign Company before starting a long and successful career in the telecommunications industry. He began at Western Electric as a telephone equipment installer, later moving to GTE in Irving where he served as a repairman and installer for 13 years. He concluded his career with ROLM Telecommunications (later IBM/Siemens), where he worked for 15 years before retiring.
In 1962, Kenneth married Diane Ingle after a blind date arranged by his sister-in-law, Sue Wickham. They began their life together in Oak Cliff before settling permanently in Irving - where they would remain for over 60 years. Their love of travel took them on many meaningful trips, including drives up both the East and West Coasts, but their most treasured journey was to Israel, the Holy Land.
Kenneth was a strong, steady, and faithful presence in the lives of his family. His daughters are forever grateful for the godly example he and Diane provided as parents. He lived with integrity and unwavering faith, committed to doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Even in his final days, Kenneth remained devoted to encouraging his family spiritually. Up until a week before his passing, he would send a daily group text with a verse from Proverbs - his favorite book - and a fun Jeopardy-style trivia question (which he often answered himself before anyone had a chance to guess!).
He was affectionately known as "Preacher" during his years at GTE because he openly shared his faith and led Bible studies with coworkers. He planted a tree for each of his daughters and later for each of his grandsons to honor their births. He enjoyed riding his bicycle, reading Proverbs daily, and participating in ministry outreach - including a mission trip to Mexico and handing out food in downtown Dallas with the "Soul Patrol" van ministry.
One of his greatest joys was taking his grandsons on unforgettable vacations - from Disneyland and Civil War sites to the Grand Canyon and Graceland. He was a constant source of wisdom, love, and encouragement to all who knew him.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh L. Wickham Sr. and Jewel Floyd Wickham; his brother, Hugh L. Wickham Jr. (Junior); his sister-in-law, Sue Wickham; and sister-in-law Charyl Ingle Gerault.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Diane Ingle Wickham; his daughters Katrina Mason and Kenita Dougharty (husband Marshall); his grandsons Ross Mason (wife Stephanie), Russell Mason (wife Brianna), and Geoffrey Mason; step-grandsons Sam Dougharty and Justin Dougharty and their families; and great-grandchildren Jace Mason (10), Reagan Mason (9), Riley Mason (4), and Gavin Mason (7), along with step-great-grandchildren Cece, Olivia, and Wesley. He is also remembered with love by his nieces and nephews: Darren Wickham, Devin Wickham, Donnie Gerault, Deanna Sanders, Liz Maywald, and Jeanette Gerault. ________________________________________ Fun Facts & Fond Memories • Kenneth remembered the first traffic light ever installed in Irving. • He loved Gene Autry (his "singing cowboy" of choice), while Diane preferred Roy Rogers - a playful debate throughout their marriage. • He attended reunions of his elementary school, Union Bower, with his fellow "UB Brats." • He once wrote a letter to President Gerald Ford after seeing him at Texas Stadium - and received a reply! • He read a chapter from Proverbs daily, corresponding with the date. • His "Jeopardy question of the day" texts were a family favorite, even if he answered them too quickly.
Celebration of Life services will be 4:00 PM, Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the First Baptist Church Chapel in Irving. Family and friends may visit from 3:00 PM until service time at the church. Committal services will be 10:00 AM, Friday, October 24th at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas.