Dr. Kenneth Charles "Doc" Bleichner

Dr. Kenneth Charles "Doc" Bleichner was born in New Orleans, LA, on November 3, 1939. He passed away on October 23, 2008. Doc was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Winnifred Toups Bleichner. He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Lucy Davis Bleichner, daughters, Barbara Sheppard (Richard) of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Brenda Herrin (Rusty) of Biloxi, Beth Bleichner of New Orleans and sons, Hank Bleichner of Biloxi and David Bleichner (Kris) of Ocean Springs. He is also survived by his brothers, Palmer, John, Barry, Keith and a sister, Mary Anne, his grandchildren Ricky and Tommy Sheppard of Goldsboro, North Carolina, William and Breanne Herrin of Biloxi, Tyler Scifres of New Orleans and Beyla Bleichner of Gulfport, and good friend, Dr. Darrolyn Hunt of Biloxi. Ken and Lucy began their journey together as high school sweethearts. Upon graduation, he joined the Air Force and began his career as a medic. After a four year enlistment, he attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, and then to Texas A&M for veterinary training. His 36 year career as a veterinarian began at Biloxi Animal Hospital in 1971. His first employer there was John Broussard from whom he later purchased the practice. He befriended many of his clients while there and was known for his sincerity and genuine compassion for animals and their human caretakers. In 1989, he built Edgewater Veterinay Hospital and later sold it in 1996 to Dr. Darrolyn Hunt, whom he had mentored since high school. Upon his retirement in 2001, he continued to perform veterinary services at the Humane Society of South Mississippi and Keesler Air Force Base. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Professional Association of Dive Instructors, Coast Rifle and Pistol Club, Sand Hill Hunting club, the Dixieland Hunting club, and the Towns Around Biloxi Parrothead Club. Doc was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and scuba diving. He was a scuba diving instructor for many years and even helped instruct handicapped persons to dive. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends and was always looking for the next adventure, including sky diving and ice diving in Alaska. He had a wonderful, often mischievous sense of humor, and there was not a day in his life that he did not find comedy in some situation and managed to put a smile on someone's face. He acted as mentor to many people in all walks of life, and he will be missed by all whose lives he touched. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, October 28, 2008, at 12:15 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Chaurch where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations in his honor be made to the Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25th Ave., Gulfport, MS 39501, or the American Heart Association, Living Legacy Partnership, P O Box 409410, Atlanta, GA 30384-9410. Bradforfd-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Pass Road, in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.