The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

LeRoy Dean Bickford, 75, of Sweet Home, died March 17, 2023.

He was born Nov. 23, 1947, in Redmond to Raymond Allen and Marguerite Marie Neva (DeWitz) Bickford.

Mr. Bickford served as a Specialist 4 in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969, working with heavy artillery in Vietnam.

Otherwise, he lived in Sweet Home from 1950 until the present. He graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1966. He worked for Willamette Industries for 28 years in Sweet Home and Wah-Chang in Albany for 18 years.

Mr. Bickford loved traveling with his family. He also enjoyed attending school and sporting events for his children, grandchildren and the community, and playing bingo with his wife.

Mr. Bickford is survived by his wife, Linda Bickford, whom he married in 1967; daughter Shellie Marler; siblings Ron, Willie and Frank Bickford; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his son Shaun Bickford; his parents; and siblings Allen, Rayetta, John, Shirley and Bonnie.

Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 23, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at Gilliland Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be held in May, time and date to be announced.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.