Jack Lewis Bickhard, 88, passed away February 12, 2013. Born January 3, 1925 in Huntington, IN to Amos and Frances Bickhard. He grew up on a farm outside of Antwerp, OH.
Model airplanes and flying were a major interest beginning early in his youth. He graduated from Antwerp H.S. in 1943 as valedictorian along with salutatorian Ruby Hopkins, his classmate of 12 years and his future wife of 68 years. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps that summer and returned briefly to marry Ruby on April 30, 1944. His service ended in 1946 after which he obtained a B.S. degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Indiana Institute of Technology.
He was recruited by The Boeing Co. and began his career in Seattle, WA in January of 1949. In 1950 he transferred to the Boeing division in Wichita, KS. He soon was made lead engineer and within a few years was promoted to Unit Chief of Structural Test. He retired from Boeing after 39 years. He and Ruby moved from their long time home in Andover, KS to Grand Lake, OK.
Jack was preceded in death by his brother Lynn and daughter Jami.
He is survived by his wife Ruby; sons Mark (Lesley), Conn, Matt; daughter Tena Roskam; nine grandchildren: Austen & Emily Roskam, Kyle, Kari, Hannah, Jack, Jake, Tai and Mati Bickhard; and two great-grandchildren: Nicholas and Jonathan Roskam.
Jack will be remembered for his love of life, his infectious laugh, and his deep desire to soar with the eagles. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp, OH. Online condolences can be made at www.GrandLakeFuneralHomes.com.
