Kenneth Orville “KO” Bircher, 95, died peacefully March 2, 2022, at Hester Care Center. He was born August 23, 1926, in rural Ellsworth County, to Walter G. and Bessie R. (Hudson) Bircher.
KO graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1945, and Bethany College in 1950. He worked for various companies as an accountant, and helped start the Hutchinson Drummer Boy Restaurant franchise in the early 1970’s. In addition, KO was involved with SCORE and served as the Director of Jets for the Sky Ryders Drum & Bugle Corps. After retirement, he helped renovate the Fox Theatre, as well as various downtown buildings.
KO served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68, and appreciated the opportunity to go on the Kansas Honor Flight. Music was important in the Bircher household, and KO was a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and sang with the Salt Minors Barbershop Chorus and church choir. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson.
On May 28, 1948, he married Geraldine E. “Gerry” Stratton, in Walton, KS. They shared almost 74 years of marriage.
KO is survived by: his wife, Gerry of Hutchinson; children, Diane Shirack (Mike) of Centennial, CO, Joan Gibson (Roger) of Wichita, Gene Bircher (Jennifer) of Longmont, CO, Paula Payton (Greg) of Hutchinson, and Craig Bircher (Mary) of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, Chad Shirack (Lora), Amanda Herndon (Dustin), Curtis Gibson (Kara), Kinzie Flowers (James), Bailey Lardes (Doug), Will Bircher (Morgan), Morgan Starkweather (James), Grady Payton (Brooke), Samantha Rose, Crosby Branham (Cody), Dr. Walter G. Bircher, and Dr. Josie Bircher; and 20 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Phillip, Rolland, Don, and John Bircher.
Cremation has taken place and a private service will be held. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Kansas Honor Flight, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.