BICKHAM

A resident of Franklinton for more than 60 years, Karl L. Bickham Sr., 83, died at 4:36 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his entire family.

Born March 28, 1929, he served in the United States Marine Corps from Feb. 17, 1947 until Feb. 16, 1950, when he was discharged as a corporal after spending part of his service in China. He worked for Southern Bell, South Central Bell and BellSouth for almost 31 years before retiring as a supervisor in 1982. He enjoyed traveling when possible and spent many pleasurable hours at local coffee shops with friends.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Lois Fontenot Bickham of Franklinton; a son and daughter-in-law, Karl L. “Buster” Bickham Jr. and Jeannine Bickham of Franklinton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Karla and Larry Tullos of Flower Mound, Texas and Konnie and Mike Crain of Varnado; eight grandchildren and spouses, Karl L. “Len” Bickham III and April Bickham, Leslie and Ryan McGhee, Jamie Burkhalter, Cole and Wendy Bickham, Kyle and Whitney Burkhalter and Megan and Rick Thomas, all of Franklinton, and Shea Tullos and Krystal Henry, both of Flower Mound; a brother and sister-in-law, Truett and Evelyn Bickham of Chesapeake, Va.; a sister-in-law, Jo Bickham of Bogalusa; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James O. Bickham and Maude Smith Bickham; a sister, La Rue Fleming; and a brother, J.L. Bickham.

Visitation was Tuesday, Jan. 15 at Crain Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. and will continue on Wednesday, from 9 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Dr. Gene Richards, Rev. Denny Brumfield and Rev. Ralph Parks officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Len Bickham, Ryan McGhee, Cole Bickham, Shea Tullos, Rick Thomas, Kyle Burkhalter and Tyler McGhee. Honorary pallbearers are all the members of his “Coffee Crew.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Community Care Hospice, 1007 West Thomas St., Suite A, Hammond, LA 70403.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.