Tom Bickel

William Thomas “Tom” Bickel, age 79, went to be with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at his home in Carlisle, surrounded by his family.

Tom was born September 20, 1943, in New Haven, Connecticut to Charles Franklin “Frank” Bickel and Thelma Mae (Lankford) Bickel.

He was blessed with loving and devoted parents, who helped him battle polio at a very young age. He succeeded in not allowing his physical challenges to inhibit his activities or define his limitations.

He graduated from East High to the surprise of all his teachers and friends. He was blessed to maintain dear friendships with many of his high school buddies, which is a testament to his loyalty and to how much he valued the people in his life.

He married Nancy McCain in September of 1961, and they had four children: Scott, Jeannette, Dan, and Christa. It was the busiest time of his life. He started Bickel Auto Salvage and then Bickel Motors a few years later, all while raising the kids and putting them all through Grandview Park Baptist School. The adventures of raising his kids were many and cherished by him and his gang. He always prioritized their annual road trips to visit family all over the country.

His second marriage to Kay Allison began on April 2, 1993. He welcomed his first granddaughter, Sydney, soon after. They successfully merged their new families and created a great network of friends, family, and acquaintances. They traveled often to see Kay’s grandchildren in Springfield, Missouri. The travel continued until the last few weeks of his life, even if just to venture down the road a bit together. They enjoyed their friends and fellowship at Fellowship Baptist Church.

Professionally he enjoyed the business he built with his son Scott and succeeded in an unusual business platform of word of mouth from his friends and longtime customers, knowing that godly principles would work better than any other business practices. He never had to advertise and maintained the business to hand off to his son up until his death. Just days before his death he was at the shop enjoying the camaraderie of his employees, customers, and friends that came to visit him often.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn “Kay” Bickel; children, Scott (Cyndi) Bickel, Jeannette (Bruce) Greiner, Dan Bickel, and Christa (Joe) Dennis; granddaughter, Sydney Bickel; stepdaughters, Rhonda (Bobby) Birlew and Debbie Allison; and eight step-grandchildren and six step-greatgrandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Charles Franklin Bickel; mother, Thelma Mae Bickel; and brother, Charles Fredrick Bickel.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at Grace Church, 4200 E 25th Street, Des Moines. Burial will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery after the service. There will be a luncheon at Grace Church following the graveside committal service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Alpha Women’s Center or Shepherd’s Foundation in loving memory of Tom.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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