Oless Bickham, of Franklinton, died from heart failure on March 25, 2018, in Covington, at the age of 85.

Oless is survived by his son, Allen O’Keith (Andrea) Bickham of Atlanta, Ga.; daughters, Tesha Marie Bickham of Slidell, and Octavia Marie Bickham of Franklinton; grandchildren, Keith, Allena, Juan, Thaddeus, Zahria, Destiny, Alana, Yasmine, Jamyre, Tyrone, Kashius, and Nyla; great-grandchildren, Aiyana, London and Kennadi; and sisters, Gloria Simmons and Thannie Conerly of Franklinton, and Rosie Magee of New Orleans.

He is preceded in death by his devoted wife, Thelma Tate Bickham; daughter, Janet Bickham; mother, Amanda James Bickham; father, Allen Bickham; brothers, John Bickham, George Bickham, Coye Bickham and Willie J. Bickham; sisters, Margaret Bickham, Mandy Lee Bickham and Edna Earl Bickham; and sisters-in-law, Georgia Bickham and Grace Bickham.

Oless Bickham was born March 23, 1933, in Washington Parish to parents, Amanda James Bickham and Allen Bickham. He graduated from Washington Parish High School.

Oless Bickham was a great family man. He married Thelma Tate Bickham. To their union, the couple had four children together: Janet, Allen, Tesha and Octavia.

Oless was one of the kindest, most polite, and forgiving men you have ever meet. He loved to be surrounded by his family and children. To see the kids laugh and play brought joy to his heart. On any given day, if the weather permitted, you would see Oless in front of his home seated under his favorite tree greeting neighbors with a smile and a nod.

The funeral service will be Saturday, March 31, at 2 p.m. at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church, with the Rev. Johnny Causey officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, March 30, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Cook-Richmond Funeral Home’s Franklinton location.