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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Valley (08/10/06)
Obituary


Lykins, Benjamin Franklin, 65, of West Liberty, Kentucky, died at his home on Friday, November 11, 1949. Born March 28, 1884 in Morgan County, he was the son of the late James Bucannon Lykins and Emma Jane (Allen) Lykins. He was born, reared, married, and raised his family in Morgan County.

Lykins married Zettie Massalete Oney in West Liberty on August 3, 1905 at the home of his parents. Rev. Creed Oney of the Caney Creek Pentecostal Church officiated.

He is survived by his wife and nine of his ten children. Daughters: Audella Williams (Hobart “Green”), Evalena Hamons (Anthony “Tippy”), Rockford Allie Gibson (Jesse), Anna Boyd Berry (Gene), Emma Marie Lykins (Richard), and Georgia Mae Ross (Ronald “Ray”). Sons: Hubert Clyde Lykins (Stella), Charles Mack Lykins (Marion), and Russell Dale Lykins (Velma).

Lykins was predeceased by his son Edwin P. Morrow Lykins who gave his life in the line of duty in Burma, India on August 4, 1944.

Lykins’ surviving children have written the following:

Life in this valley will never be the same now that Daddy is gone Home. We each wrote a short tribute to him:

Audella: As your first-born, I was always proudest to walk by your side through the hard times in life. You bridged every valley when things were rough. People knew you to be the finest of men; I knew you to be the most Godly of men.

Evalena: I was borned soon after Audella and you was surprised to have another girl. Thank you for never making me feel like I didn’t fulfill your dream of having a son to carry on your name. Now I have 15 children of my own that I pray will raise up to be just like you.

Rockford: I loved you more than any little girl ever loved her daddy. I know I hurt you bad when I ran off at 13 to get married, but you never let me see how bad. You always was God’s hands outstretched to me showing me the way out of my self-dug valleys. Thank you, Daddy, for loving me always.

Anna: Daddy, everybody in the valley loved you! I remember the elders at church every time an evangelist came in: “Send the Preacher over to Bennie’s! He’ll take anyone in and feed ‘em real good!” You were a good man and you and Mama taught me good!

Georgia: You loved me and never rejected me when I got into trouble. You took in my son as your own and taught him good while I worked hard to get my life together. Daddy, thank you for being patient with me until I found me a husband who is every good thing I seen in you. I pray my boys will grow up to be just like their Pawpaw.

Emma: I’ll never forget looking out at the barn in the early morning light seeing you in your overalls and red flannel shirt, waving your hands in the air and shoutin “Hallelujah!” I can just see you dancin and shoutin now for all eternity!

Hubert: As your first son, I know you was so proud, but I failed you bad. One thing I’ll never forget is that you never turned your back on me no matter how far I strayed. Thanks, Pa.

Charles: Every night in front of the fireplace you taught us the Bible. You planted seeds in us that took root and growed. I watched as tears runned down your face when Mama sang while Emma played the piano. I always seen Jesus in you, Pa. You always lived what you preached. I’ll miss you, Pa!

Russell: I’m sorry, Pa! I know I disappointed you bad. I messed up my life so many times but you was always there for me with your love and support. You never turned me away when I messed up. You always forgave me. I been so ornery, Pa. I never knew how to put it into words, but I hope you know how much I loved you.

Friends and family may call at the Caney Creek Pentecostal Church on Tuesday between 2:00pm and 9:00pm. Services are scheduled for 10:00 Wednesday morning at Salyers Cemetery in West Liberty. Rev. Creed Oney will officiate.

Sister Bertha Oney will sing, “Peace In the Valley” at the graveside.

_____________
Editor’s Note: All of Licking Valley will feel the loss of this wonderful man. We offer our most sincere sympathies to the widow Zettie Lykins and family.
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This article has been read 1849 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Brenda Craig
08/17/06
Such a sweet, touching testimony of a life lived in God. Each of his children endured their own valley and the father bridged them all. What an example of Christ as he hung on a cross and stretched Himself over the valleys of our lives. The down-home country way the children expressed themselves in honor of their father makes this work. I could feel their emotion and felt I knew their father. Excellent job in a most clever and unique way!
Joanne Sher 
08/18/06
Definitely a unique and effective approach! I enjoyed learning about this Godly man, and the many blessings he poured on his children. I found some of the "down home" language a bit inconsistent, but that did not distract from the poignancy of this piece. Wonderful work!
Edy T Johnson
08/21/06
I agree that this is a most creative way to tell us one man's story. I enjoyed reading it.
Marty Wellington 
08/22/06
Refreshing take on valley topic; enjoyed it immensely. Hearing from all his children was a great way to tell of this remarkable man's walk with God.
Rita Garcia
08/22/06
This is beautifully written, I felt like maybe I should stop in at the church between 2:00 - 9:00 pm. to pay my respects.
Venice Kichura
08/22/06
So realistically written! This touched my heart!
Shari Armstrong 
08/23/06
Very creative take on the topic -loved the voices of all the kids :)