Kenneth Edward Shick

Kenneth Edward (Ed) Shick was born December 1, 1942 in Brookville, Pennsylvania to Kenneth James Shick and Ruth Belle (Smith) Shick. For a short time after his birth, the family lived in Akron, Ohio but most of Ed’s childhood was spent in Ohl, Pennsylvania.

Ed attended grade school at Conifer, Pennsylvania in a four room school with two grades per room. For high school, he attended Brookville High School where he was on the varsity baseball team and played the tuba in the band. Ed graduated high school in 1960 and was recruited to try out for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team as a pitcher, but he was not able to go as his family needed him to work.

After high school, Ed attended Clarion Teachers College and worked on a farm to help his family. Then in March 1962 he joined the Army and moved from Ohl to Fort Gordon, Georgia. Many facets of his life in Ohl helped him during basic training. Growing up and hunting gave him an edge as he won the marksmanship trophy for the whole battalion. And because he had to run four miles to Summerville to pitch a 9 inning game and then run back home after the game, he was in great shape which made the 20 mile forced march with a full backpack and rifle easier for Ed. He was able to complete the challenge carrying all of his gear as well as the backpack and rifle of a friend so his friend would not have to start basic training all over again.

Ed requested to be a part of the Signal Corps when he enlisted and he completed that training at Fort Gordon. It was during this training, while working at the top of the telephone polls, that two men in suits arrived and the training sergeant pulled out a bullhorn and said, “Shick, come down, leave your gear on the ground and go with these two men.” Ed had been selected to be interviewed for a job with the White House Communications Agency (WHCA). After passing his security clearance and background check, Ed was transferred to Washington, D.C. in November 1962. Ed worked in the WHCA for both President Kennedy and President Johnson, traveling all over the United States as well as to many foreign countries, including Mexico, Australia, Malaysia, Guam and Surinam. Ed met many famous politicians, dignitaries and entertainers. His mom was most proud of his meeting Bob and Dolores Hope. Ed’s favorite part of his job was getting to spend time with Lady Bird Johnson. He was tasked with recording her as she went though family pictures and home videos as well as occasionally traveling with her for speeches and being in Johnson City at the LBJ Ranch with the Johnsons. Ed left the Army in November 1967 to work for the Veterans Affairs Central Office as he had recently gotten married and wanted to be home more with his new bride.

On August 5, 1967, Ed married the love of his life, Clara Ann Benczkowski, in Woodbridge, Virginia. They lived there until 1978 when Ed transferred to the VA Data Processing Center in Austin, TX. They moved with their young family to Manchaca, Texas in August 1978, where he eventually joined the Manchaca Volunteer Fire Department and enjoyed serving the community for many years. Ed and Clara were married 45 years and had three daughters, Deborah (Debbie) Bates (husband Chris) of Cresson, TX, Tracy Alver (husband Brian) of Dalhart, TX and Theresa Shick of Austin, TX. They have four grandchildren, Bailey Vert (fiancé Fabian Vargas), Ryan Vert, Brooke Alver and Brett Alver and one great granddaughter, Emma Grace Vargas. Ed retired from the Department of Veteran Affairs after 30 years and was able to travel the world with Clara. Their favorite way to vacation was taking cruises and their favorite destinations included Alaska and the Panama Canal.

Family was the most important part of Ed’s life. He was the best Dad a daughter could ever hope for and being Papa was, without a doubt, the highlight of Ed’s life. He would do anything for his children and grandchildren and was very involved in their lives whether it was cheering his daughters on at their band competitions, heading up the Band Boosters or traveling with the band, Ed was there, ready to help. He moved each daughter into many different dorms, apartments and houses all over the state of Texas and was always willing to help with any task, in any way he could. He was a very talented woodworker and his daughters and grandchildren have many amazing pieces of furniture and knick knacks that Papa crafted. He enjoyed going on vacations every summer with his family, remodeling houses, including D bar D/Ed’s Fishing Camp, and helping every fall with corn harvest in Dalhart.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife Clara, his parents and his older sister Carolyn and her husband Jim. He is survived by his daughters, his grandchildren, great granddaughter, his younger sister Sandy (and husband Dick of PA), his two sisters-in-law, Elaine Benczkowski of CT and Janice Traller of TN and many nieces and nephews.

Ed lived a great life, had the most giving heart and if Old Time Rock n Roll came on, he was quite the dancer. He will be missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating, in honor of Ed Shick, to a youth hunting or bass fishing membership or a charity of your choice.