Leo Edward Bickford, 86, of Holton, Kansas, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, November 24, 2018.

He was born the son of Roy and Nellie (Cappen) Bickford on October 24, 1932 in Waverly, Kansas.  Leo was born the ninth of thirteen children. At the age of 17, Leo enlisted in the Marines and served four years (1950-1954) during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carol Ruth Marshall, of Holton, Kansas, who he married on October 8, 1954, and together they raised three children, Richard “Rick” Bickford, Teresa “Terri” (Bickford) Blake, and C. Jeanette (Bickford) Christian. In his early years, he was the Owner and Operator of Bickford Floor Covering and retired from the company after 10+ years.

Leo had many interests. He loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He had a never-ending love of the outdoors, camping, Christmas lights, and Johnny Cash.

He was a member of the former First Presbyterian Church, Kansas Freemasons – Holton Lodge #42, and a lifetime member of Eagle’s Lodge, Holton VFW Post 1367, and American Legion Post 0044. 

Leo is survived by his loving wife, Carol Marshall Bickford; his children, Richard “Rick” (Paula) Bickford of Carlsbad, CA, Teresa “Terri” (Mike) Blake of Topeka, KS, and C. Jeanette Christian of Topeka, KS; brother, Kenneth “Kenny” (Louise) Bickford of Holton, KS; sisters-in-law, Pauline Bickford of Rossville, KS, and Carolyn Bickford of Pahrump, NV. His cherished grandchildren:  Jordan (Connie) Christian, Jason (Yi Ling) Christian, Justin (Kathryn) Christian, Jerrad Blake, Derrek (Whitney) Blake, Brett (Brooke) Bickford, Bailie (Trent) Berner, Rachel (Joe) George, Tessa (Matt) Weitzman, Mia Boam, and Dashiell “Dash” Boam; twelve great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Michael Christian; his brothers, Clifford Bickford, Darrell Bickford, Leland Bickford, LeRoy Bickford, Wendell Bickford; his sisters, Opal Davis, Barbara Hughes, Betty Mayo, Arlene Nott, Doris Reding, and Sue Stewart.

A private 21-gun military salute will be held with a Celebration of Life to follow at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 8, 2018. Please write down your favorite memory of Leo to add to the memory box.

With regard to Leo’s love for Christmas and his community, in lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to be made in his name to Toys for Tots, Holton Community Hospital Foundation or Holton V.F.W. Post 1367. c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.  In loving Memory of Leo Edward Bickford, please click here: https://tinyurl.com/ydacsknh

 To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.