Joan Hough Bickel

Joan Hough Bickel of Frisco, Texas passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 30, 2024. She was born in Fort Myers, Florida on August 12, 1931 to Nelson and Mary Hough. In 1936 she was given the gift of a lifelong best friend in the form of her sister, Marilyn. The two shared a unique bond that spanned over nine decades and several states. There truly has never been a set of sisters more fond of one another than Joan and Marilyn. While growing up in Fort Myers, Joan enjoyed being outdoors and most especially the beach. The most significant part of her high school years involved meeting her future husband, Herb Bickel. In 1949 Joan graduated from high school and began her time at Stephens Junior College. Upon graduation in 1951, Joan transferred to Florida State University where she went on to receive a degree in Social Welfare in 1953. Her spare time at Florida State was spent as a senior editor for the Social Work Club, through participation in the Choral Union and as a proud member of Phi Mu sorority.

Joan married her high school sweetheart, Herb Bickel, on July 17, 1954, upon Herb’s return from his military service in Korea. They were wed in Fort Myers, Florida and shortly thereafter relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where she began her teaching career. Herb and Joan then moved to Houston, Texas where Herb embarked on his career in corporate finance with Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation. In 1956, they welcomed their first son, David, followed by sons Dan and John. For the next 20 years, she dedicated her life to raising their sons by providing a household full of love, laughter, joy and guidance. Joan’s even temperament, unconditional love and strong sense of order were the essential elements in the development of their solid household. Joan was the best “boy mom” and was always so proud of her three sons. The Bickel Family enjoyed countless vacations together, especially in Fort Myers with aunts, uncles and cousins galore. Joan was always an eager participant in any fishing or hunting excursion, taking her first whitetail deer in 1981. Telling stories of their adventures growing up always provided her with laughs and smiles of pure joy. Those stories will be carried on for generations to come.

In 1980, career change brought the Bickel family to Dallas where they remained for the duration of their lives. In 1987, Joan and Herb acquired StatLab Medical Products and were instrumental in the development of the company, alongside their three sons. Their involvement in the company lasted until their retirement in 1997. At this time their focus turned to travel, grandkids and refining the many friendships made along the way. Her easy-going nature, fun personality and subdued intellect invited friendships which were sustained until her last days. Her residence at Sunrise Assisted Living in Frisco, also known as the “sorority house”, the last few years resulted in many new friendships and shared life experiences. Joan was that rare person who had a knack for inviting and extending goodness. Her friends and family certainly benefited from it, loved her for it and have been changed for the better because of it.

Joan was preceded in death and is now reunited with her husband of 52 years, Herb Bickel, and her daughter-in-law Denise Bickel.

She is survived by her son, David; son Dan and his wife, Laura; and son John, and his wife, Mary. Joan was beloved “Grandma” to Lindsey Cooper, Andrew Bickel, Courtney Anderson, Kyle Bickel, Todd Bickel, Jonathan Gentry, Virginia Bickel and Eva Bickel. Her great-grandchildren Rhett Cooper, Reid Cooper, Cade Cooper, Mason Bickel and Chloe Anderson all adored her and were so blessed to know her. She is also survived by her beloved best friend and sister, Marilyn Adkins, her husband Bob Adkins and their children Karen Adkins Globetti, Amy Adkins Sigmon, Robert Adkins and Lynn Adkins Spring.

Service arrangements will be held at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX, 75225 on November 11th, at 10:00 am. A public visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 am, with a post burial reception to be held shortly thereafter.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, SCCF, Attn: Wendy Cerdan, CFO,PO Box 839,Sanibel, FL 33957-0839, SCCF.ORG, 239-472-2329