John Kenneth "Ken" Richards, 91, of Parker, Colorado, died Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Brookdale Meridian Retirement Home in Englewood, Colorado.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 26 at 11:00 AM, at Miller Funeral Home in Clarkson, Nebraska with Pastor Michele Monroe-Clark officiating.  Interment with military honors will be in Clarkson National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time on Tuesday.

Ken was born March 20, 1932, in Ottumwa, IA, to David and Ruby (Pierce) Richards.  He attended Ottumwa Public Schools and graduated from Ottumwa High School.  He attended Iowa University for two years, majoring in pictorial journalism.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1953 and was stationed in Germany.  He was a heavy weapons infantryman and was selected to be on the pistol team.  Removed from standby reserves and honorably discharged: Aug. 31, 1961.

His work experiences included railroad fireman, owner of a photography studio in IA and medical photographer at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Aurora, CO, where he received many letters of appreciation from doctors.

Some of Ken's photographs were submitted to the Denver Post and some were published.  The ducks, standing on ice with their reflection so clear, was accidentally printed upside down.

A self-taught ice skater, he was noticed at the Denver University Rink.  He was asked to tour with the university skaters.  Because of employment demands, he had to forego the offer.

Ken's love of hunting and fishing took him to many of God's wonderous waterways and lands.  Highlights were a South African hunting safari and an Alaskan fishing trip.

On Aug. 12, 1978, he married Linda Bukacek.  They resided in CO for their entire life together.  Buggs (because Linda bugged him) and Harry had a fun marriage, with Ken's humor adding enjoyment to their daily bantering and visiting sessions.  A shared interest, was observing animals and birds, providing many pleasurable moments.  Linda learned a lot from him.  Even as  young boy, during solitary times, Ken would take a bird book to the neighborhood creek to observe and identify birds.  In high school, he was a member of the Ottumwa Bird Club.

Ken is survived by his wife, Linda, nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Dick, Ed, Lois Higgins, and Bob.

Memorials may be directed to: Denver Hospice, 8289 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO 80230 or a charity or organization of your choice.