Kenneth Samuel Killian

Kenneth Samuel Killian, 91, formerly of West Lawn, passed away October 1, 2013 in his Kenhorst residence.

He was the husband of Harriet E. (Parker) Killian.

Born March 17, 1922, in Reading, he was a son of the late Heaster L. and Gertrude B. (Bryson) Killian.

Ken was a 1941 graduate of Reading High School.

He was a manager for Culligan Water Conditioning for 13 years and then worked as a territory manager for Wyeth Laboratories, Wayne, for 25 years, retiring in 1986.

Ken was a member of several bands. Starting in 1937 to 1942 he played with the Wyomissing Band; in the 1930's he also played with the Ringgold Band, Reading; the City Playground Band, Reading, 1936 to 1940; Albright College Band, 1939-1940; Lowe's Colonial Band, Reading, 1930's to 1942; the Norristown Municipal Band, 1945 to 1962; Pottstown Band, 1940's; Red Hill Band, late 1940's to early 1950's; New Holland Band, 1987 to 2000's; Reading Philharmonic Orchestra, 1966 to 2000's; Keystone Band, Rehresburg, 1988 to 2000's; Berks County Sr. Orchestra, for 12 years and he played with the National Sr. Symphony, New London and Mystic, CT, 1989-1997 where he was the principle percussionist from 1989 to 1996. He also played a number of engagements with the Bainbridge Band over the years.

He was a member and former president of the U.S. Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Norristown, and was selected as "young man of the year" by the Commerce. He was also a 40 year member of the Reading Philharmonic Orchestra.

Ken was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during WWII. He also played for the U.S. Navy Club Band.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his children: Kenneth S. Killian, Jr., Sinking Spring; Diane Essick, Sinking Spring; and a daughter in Andover, NJ. Also surviving are his six grandchildren: Caroline, Dawn, David, Michael, Shannan, Magan and Connor as well as two great-grandchildren.

Ken was predeceased by his brother, Hiester B. Killian, and his sister, Geraldine Lindener.

Services will be Friday at 10 a.m. in Advent Lutheran Church, 16 Telford Ave, West Lawn, PA 19609. A viewing will be held Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Gibraltar. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Advent Lutheran Church at the above address. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.