Don R. Bickline

Don Rae Bickline, age 83 of Highland, IL, died Friday, January 24, 2014, at his residence. He was born on Thursday, May 22, 1930, in Highland, IL, the son of George H. and Mildred Adele "Mil" (nee Lampe) Bickline. On Saturday, September 22, 1956, he married Ruth E. Bickline (nee Espenschied) who survives. He was a member of the Evangelical United Church of Christ, VFW Post 5694-Highland, and the Postal Carriers Union 155. He was a former member of the Labors Local 687 of Marine and the Highland-Pierron Fire Department (26 years). Don was born in Highland, IL, and reared in the Marine/Highland area, attending Marine School and graduating from Highland High School in 1948. He worked in the oil fields in the Marine area, later entered the US Air Force, and served from 1951 to 1955 with duty in Korea during the Korean War. After his military service, he worked for Shell Oil Co, Wood River, IL; Granite City Army Depot; and then for the US Postal Service as a postal carrier in Collinsville, retiring after 31 years in July of 1988. He and his wife had a dried flower business for 10 years and made retro aprons together for the last 5 years. He enjoyed NASCAR Racing and St. Louis Cardinal Baseball. Survivors include: Wife - Ruth E. Bickline, nee Espenschied, Highland, IL Son - Michael R. (Kim) Bickline, Highland, IL Son - Brian L. (Susan) Bickline, Highland, IL Daughter - Barbara A. (Jeff) Kimberlin, Rochester, IL Sister - Beverly Maxine (Clifford) Homeier, Livingston, IL Grandchild - Paul M. (significant other-Audra Gall) Bickline, Highland, IL Grandchild - Jacob R. Bickline, Highland, IL Grandchild - Julie C. Bickline, Mesa, AZ Grandchild - Troy C. Kimberlin, Honolulu, HI Grandchild - Victor R. Kimberlin, Ottawa, IL Grandchild - Zachary B. (fiancee-Ciara Miller) Bickline, Mount Carmel, IL He was preceded in death by: Father - George H. Bickline died 11/18/1969 Mother - Mildred A. "Mil" Bickline, nee Lampe died 8/30/2005 Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, January 27, 2014, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL, with Rev. Christopher W. Hill, Senior Pastor, Highland, IL officiating. Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Evangelical United Church of Christ or the Highland-Pierron Fire Department.

Don R. Bickline

May 22, 1930 - January 24, 2014