Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Edward J. Killham, 97, of Kimball, died at Kimball Health Services on Thursday, February 9, 2023. Cremation has been held and memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023 at the Cantrell Funeral Home with Pastor Lorri Kentner officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Friends may visit http://www.cantrellfh.com to view Ed's Tribute Wall and leave condolences and stories for the family. Memorials may be given in Ed's memory to the Potter Fire and Rescue. The services for Ed have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.
Edward James Killham was born in Sunol, Nebraska on April 5, 1925, the son of Edward H. and Naomi S. (Vacik) Killham. He was raised and attended schools in Sidney, Dye, and Denver. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served his country during World War II. He was a gunner and served during the Asiatic Pacific Campaign, American Area Victory and the Philippine Liberation. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
Following his discharge, he met and was married to Bernilee Phillips. They farmed south of Potter, raising wheat and beans. Ed would go to California during the winter months so he could work and make a living for his family.
He owned Chapman/Killham Water Well Service and later became the manager of Velmount in Bridgeport. He received an award from the City of Sidney for finding a water field that was thought not to exist, and that field is still in use today. Following Bernilee's death on April 12, 1987, Ed was married to Peggy Hughes, following her death he was married to Dee Julefs.
He enjoyed fishing, traveling, and inventing things. Ed loved to spend time with family and friends visiting, he always had a story to tell.
Survivors include his son Miles (Helen) Killham of Potter; daughters Joni (Michael) Troska of Ft. Collins, CO., and Jodi Livingstone of Potter, NE; 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 wives, sister Elaine Petroff and an infant son.