Harry A. Bickerton, Sr.

Harry A. Bickerton, Sr., age 79, passed away at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, in Oneida, Illinois at the home of his daughter. Harry was born on February 20, 1929, in Charleroi, Pennsylvania the son of Harry and Mary Dick Bickerton. Harry was reared in Pennsylvania. He received his Bachelor of Business from Western Illinois University and attended Garrett Seminary. Harry served in the United States Army, seeing combat during the Korean Conflict. He earned many Citations, Recognitions, and awards including the Silver Star, and the Korean War Service Medal. Harry was married to F. Deane Biggs for 31 years. Harry served the United Methodist Churches in Western Illinois area from 1962 - 1970. He worked at Wilson Foods doing office work from 1970 - 1975 . Harry was a braider operator at Gates in Galesburg from 1976 - 1982. Lastly he drove a bus for the Warren Achievement 1984-1998, until his retirement. Harry enjoyed fishing, golf, gardening especially his strawberry patch, baking and cooking, woodworking crafts and was an avid Cardinal fan. He is survived by two daughters Esther Crain of Ohio, Pauline (Brian) McClay of Oneida, three sons, Allen Bickerton of Monmouth, David (Kathleen) Bickerton of Galesburg, Illinois, and Mark (Sandy) Bickerton of Woodhull, Illinois, 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, two sisters, Barbara Palfrey of Florida and Dorothy Barness of Pennsylvania. Harry is also survived by a special friend, Claire Felderman of LaClair, Iowa. He is preceded in death by his parents and Aunt Jean. Services:A funeral service will 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2008, at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. Visitation will be at Turnbull's on Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:30. Entombment with military honors will be in the Warren County Memorial Park Mausoleum, Monmouth. A memorial fund is being established, and will be designated at a later date.