Robert Kenneth “Ken” Badger, of Mercer, formerly of Grove City  entered heaven to be reunited with his wife of almost 66 years at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015, surrounded by his loving family after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer on Feb. 1, 2015. He was 85.

Mr. Badger was born April 8, 1929, in Paw Paw, W.Va., to William Snyder Badger and Florence Mary Denniston Badger.

He married Bernice “Bernie” Grace Riddle on July 17, 1948, in West Liberty, Pa., and they celebrated their life and love together for more than 65 years before her death on April 23, 2014.

Ken is survived by: two daughters, Juanita Badger, wife of Harry Tyson, Mercer; and Julie Slater, Jackson Center; and a son, Michael Badger and his wife Sharon, Titusville. He also leaves Amy Spisak; granddaughters, Denise, wife of Randy Horn, Columbus, Ohio; Heather, wife of Bill Robinson, Dilke, Saskatchewan, Canada; and Ashley, wife of Jesse Sealand, Stoneboro; grandsons, Bob Zuschlag and his wife Jen, Greenville; Tim Zuschlag and his wife Liz, Grove City; Ken Badger and his wife Emily, Pittsburgh; and Phillip Badger, Jackson Center; great-grandchildren, Carina and her husband Andrew, Marissa, Mager, Charlie, Harley, Taylor, Walker, Jacob, Alex, Adelle, Kyle, Aubrey, Cole, Garrett, Jackson, and Arden; two great-great-grandchildren, Richard and Payton; and a sister-in-law, Judy, wife of Dale McFadden, Mercer.

In addition, Ken leaves a host of loving extended family, friends and very special neighbors, Bill and Joan Chess.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Glenda Jeanne; an infant son, Joey; two brothers, William Jr. and Vincent; two sisters, Dorothy, wife of Lloyd Rockwell, who is also deceased, and an infant; his in-laws, Glenn and Mildred Riddle; a granddaughter, Roberta Evans; a grandson, Charles Wallace Evans II; and twin great-grandsons, Caleb and Mason Zuschlag.

Ken retired in 1991 from Cooper Bessemer, Grove City, after more than 40 years of service as a master tool grinder.

Ken was a founding member, instrumental in the formation of Pine Township Volunteer Fire Department, now known as Pine Township Engine Company, to which he belonged for more than 50 years. He continued to attend monthly meetings until January 2015.

Ken served as president, vice president and chaplain of the Mercer County Fireman’s Association for many years. Ken also served as a member of the Pennsylvania’s Auxiliary Police Force and served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Police Citizens Force.

Ken was a member of AARP and Loyal Order of the Moose.

Above all, most important to Ken was being a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He loved spending time with his entire family, hosting family get-togethers on holidays and special occasions with his wife, Bernie. Ken and Bernie’s home was a gathering place for all.

After his retirement, Ken and Bernie enjoyed traveling and visited many states. They enjoyed a six-week trip to Alaska and back in 1971 to visit their daughter and family stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Anchorage. He greatly enjoyed fishing and boating at Goddard State Park’s Lake Wilhelm, where they maintained a camp for the past 34 years.

Ken enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling and working in the flower gardens around their house. In the 1960s, Ken bagged a 10-point buck deer that earned him a Keystone Award from the PA Game Commission which was displayed in various areas of the state for public viewing.

The family suggests that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Ken’s memory to consider American Cancer Society, 3208 B Wilmington Road, Box 5037, New Castle, PA 16105; Pine Township Engine Company in care of Chris Holmes, Box 627, Grove City, PA 16127; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Ken was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.

Arrangements by CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.