BENKELMAN -- Paul Edgar Ham, 84, died Monday (Feb. 13, 2006) at his home in Benkelman.

He was born Oct. 23, 1921, on the family farm in Dundy County to Roy A. and Jennie M. (Roberts) Ham. He graduated from Dundy County High School in 1939.

He taught country school north of Haigler and farmed south of Benkelman.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Sept. 29, 1942. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 19, 1945.

He married Kathleen L. Ostdiek on Aug. 21, 1954.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Jennie Ham; brothers, Lyle, Donald, Byron, Clifford and Stanley Ham; sisters, Vernell Mann and Ernestine Ham; and grandsons, Wyley Hall and Theron Kitt.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Ham of Benkelman; his children, Ellen Potthoff and husband, Kirk of Benkelman, Mary Kitt and husband, Kirby of Wauneta, Rich Ham and wife, Keri of Benkelman, Jenny Brandt of Windham, N.Y., Donna Hall and husband, Bill of Benkelman and Vera Robinson of Longmont, Colo.; his brother, Lawrence Ham; sisters-in-law, Fern Ham, Ruby Ham, Eula Ham, Joy Stevens, Agnes Ostdiek, Irma Johnson and Yvonne Eggers and husband, Johny; brothers-in-law, Louis Ostdiek and wife, Darlene, Bunt Reining and J.D. Ostdiek and wife, Marilyn; 17 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews; and other relatives, friends and neighbors.

Services will be Thursday, 10 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment with military honors will follow the services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, 1-7 p.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.

Memorials are being accepted in his name for the Building Fund at the Benkelman American Legion and VFW.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of arrangements.