Louis Wickard Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Upchurch Funeral Home, Pa. - Cumberland on Oct. 1, 2025.
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Louis Richard "Kojak" Wickard, Sr., 82, of Cumberland, died August 8, 2025, at UPMC-Western Maryland.
Born August 5, 1943, in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Arthur Charles Wickard, Sr. and Helen Wilhelmina (Deter) Wickard.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by the love of his life--his former wife, Sondra Wickard; his sisters, Shirley Wickard and Ruth King; brothers, Bernard Wickard and James "Roy" Wickard; sons-in-law Allen Champ and George Sneathen; and a very special great granddaughter, Bethany Green.
Survivors include his children, Eileen Sneathen, Charlotte Broadwater (Glenn), and Louis Wickard, Jr. (Bonnie); long time girlfriend Paula Wilson; grandchildren Chad (Dena), Tricia (Dean), Kyle (Jacqulyn), Zach (Lindsay), Matt (Cassie), Travis (Heather), Michael (Liz), and Brandi (Tanner); great grandchildren Katelyn (Simon), Mason, Kipton, Harper, Layla, Makenzee, Asher, Rhett, and Savannah; brothers Charles Wickard, Arthur Wickard, Jr., and Harold Wickard; sister Marlene Lewis; niece Melissa Simmons (Bruce); and nephew Jimmy Lewis (Melissa).
Remembering Dad-
Dad was the most kindhearted, humblest, sweetest man you'd ever meet. He loved his family with all of his heart.
He belonged to the Sons of the American Legion through Post #13, Cumberland, and proudly assisted with military honors.
Dad had a knack for keeping busy with the things he loved. He spent countless hours tinkering with his bike, always making sure it was parade ready-he took great pride in riding through town, waving to the people with that familiar grin. His train sets were another passion: He could get lost for hours setting up tracks and watching the miniature engines chug along, each one a tiny world he brought to life.
He was happiest behind the wheel-whether it was a towering tractor trailer or a yellow taxicab weaving through city streets. Driving wasn't just a job to him; it was a joy, a way to explore and connect.
In the last several months at Lions Manor, mornings were special-he looked forward to chatting with Andrew and sharing stories and laughter with Rose Marie. These simple moments meant the world to him.
We would like to extend our deepest thanks to Lions Manor Nursing Home for the exceptional care and compassion shown to our Dad during the final months of his life. Your dedication, kindness, and professionalism brought comfort not only to him, but to all of us during a difficult time.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff on the 6th. floor at UPMC for the compassionate care you provided Dad during his final days. Your kindness, professionalism, and dedication went far beyond what we could have hoped for. You made sure he was comfortable, cared for, and treated with dignity every step of the way. From our family to yours-thank you for being there when it mattered the most.
Friends will be received at the Upchurch Funeral Home, P.A., 202 Greene Street, Cumberland, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 2-4 PM. A memorial service will follow at 4 PM, with Pastor Seth Wharton, officiating.
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