Kenneth L. Reighard

Kenneth L. Reighard, 86, of Elizabethtown, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2018 at the VA Medical Center in Lebanon. Born Tuesday, July 21, 1931 in Dallas Center, IA, he was the son of the late Rev. Walter L. and Sadie (Hossler) Reighard. He was married 66 years to Clara J. (Betz) Reighard.

Ken was a 1949 graduate of Elizabethtown High School. During his senior year, the football, basketball and baseball teams were Lancaster County champions. He was a starter in all three sports and was awarded most valuable player on the basketball team.

He attended Elizabethtown College and was a graduate of Central Penn Business School.  Ken enlisted in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and graduated from Officers Candidate School in 1953. After various assignments, he served in Korea receiving several commendations and achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Ken served as Secretary/Treasurer of Elizabethtown Chamber of Commerce, as a Republican committeeman, as a member of the Elizabethtown Planning Commission, member and chairman of Elizabethtown Civil Service Commission and as Mayor of Elizabethtown from 1974-82 (during the 1979 Three Mile Island crisis). He was a life member of Elizabethtown Fire Company, a member of the VFW and American Legion in Elizabethtown, a member of Abraham C. Treichler Lodge #682, F&AM, Elizabethtown, Lancaster Lodge of Perfection and Harrisburg Consistory; and former member of Elizabethtown Rotary and Jaycees.

Ken served on Borough Council and as Council President until his retirement in 2010. He was named Man of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2010. He also served on the board of Farmer’s Mutual Insurance Company and as Personnel Committee Chairman.

He was a 66-year member of Christ Church United Church of Christ in Elizabethtown, serving in many capacities including: deacon, elder, president of consistory, lay minister and lay liturgist.

Ken was employed in the furniture business and eventually owned and managed Shearer’s Furniture Store and Bob’s Flower Shop in Elizabethtown. Later, he was employed by Mutual Inspection Bureau, Harrisburg, and retired as Vice President in 1996.

In addition to his wife Clara, he is survived by a daughter Shirley Byron of Bainbridge; a son Theodore C. Reighard and wife Brenda of Elizabethtown; daughter in law Cynthia J. Reighard of Elizabethtown; five grandchildren, Angela Nauman, Kelly Reighard, Tara Bouchard, Nathan Reighard, Cortlan Byron II, three great grandchildren and a sister Winifred Good of Maytown.

Ken was predeceased by a son Kim L. Reighard in November of 2006.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Christ Church United Church of Christ, 247 South Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 at 11:00 AM. Viewing will be at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Interment will take place in Mount Tunnel Cemetery, Elizabethtown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kenneth’s honor to Christ Church United Church of Christ, Elizabethtown. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com

Arrangements entrusted to Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Elizabethtown.

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