Robert D. Bickel

Robert D. Bickel 
Easley, SC

Robert D Bickel, 93, passed away peacefully Friday January 27, 2023, at Foothills Presbyterian Home in Easley, SC.  Born in Geneva, NY, he was the son of the late George and Eleanor Bickel.

Bob graduated from Bennett High School in Buffalo, then attended University of Buffalo before joining the Army, serving in the Korean conflict in Japan. After returning home from service, he completed his bachelor's degree at Bowling Green State University, married the love of his life, Jean Finkbeiner, and then earned his master’s degree at UCLA.  He worked as an auditor with the Department of Defense Contract Audit Agency in Rochester NY, West Palm Beach FL, and Cameron Station in Alexandria, VA.
Bob retired in 1989, and he and Jean moved to Venice, FL. Together, they enjoyed an active retirement, playing golf and tennis and traveling extensively. Bob served as president of Jacaranda Country Club in Venice and he and Jean were members at Venice Presbyterian Church. They made a couple of trips to Guatemala with Helps International as volunteers.
Bob and Jean moved to Easley, SC in 2010. They were members of Easley First United Methodist Church. Bob enjoyed family outings, concerts in the summer at Furman, and attending plays at Greenville Theater. He volunteered extensively at Greenville Miracle Hill Mission and the Overcomers Center. He especially enjoyed serving lunches and talking with the wonderful men in the program.

Bob had a big heart and was a generous, loyal, and devoted husband, father, and friend. He taught us all the power of love and kindness, the importance of having values, and that dedication to others and perseverance in the face of adversity are their own rewards.

Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Bickel, who lives in Easley, his three children, Ken Bickel (Donna) of Travelers Rest, SC; Susan Chapman (James) of Norfolk, VA; and Don Bickel (Renata) of Sarasota, FL; six grandchildren, Casey (Brittany) Bickel, Elizabeth Chapman, Lindsay (John) Eckman, Samantha Bickel and Matthew Bickel, and Julia Rodrigues, and two great- grandchildren, Alden and Emery Bickel.  In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his two sisters, Jean DeCorse and Barbara Alderdice.  

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Friday, February 10, 2023, at the Chapel at Foothills Presbyterian Home in Easley, SC. 
The family would like to thank the staff of Foothills Presbyterian Home and Interim Hospice Care for their love and compassion caring for Bob. 

n lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Bob in a special way, please consider leaving a memorial contribution to either the Overcomers Center of Miracle Hill Ministries in Greenville, SC https://miraclehill.org/how-you-can-help/donate/#legacy-giving <https://miraclehill.org/how-you-can-help/donate/>  or Foothills Presbyterian Home in Easley, SC https://www.prescommunities.org/make-a-gift <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.prescommunities.org/make-a-gift__;!!P9vvK-4S!k5cAvKALqspKLhX__1jei15RUvu2tQ-7wcEmCegnF95hE8VBblUJtl3gNfyf83hzVFD0yD0QJIs62nOJIGA1s6-Yfh8reg$>; or to Easley First United Methodist Church @ https://easleyfumc.org/.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Downtown, Easley.