Darwin Bethel Bickford, 89, of Huntington, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, in his home. He was born January 11, 1936, in Bainbridge, NY, to William Bethel and Arlene B. (Fletcher) Bickford. He was a mechanic for many years, then after moving to Arkansas, opened his own business, Bickford Shavings. He was of the Christian faith and was a U.S. Army veteran and served on active duty in Korea. He enjoyed making memories with his sons and their friends while they were growing up, including going to the lake, camping, and water skiing. Later in life, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and strove to make lasting memories and have a positive impact on their lives. During retirement, he also developed a love for fishing and fished primarily in Arkansas with his friend, Pete, but also tried out ice fishing for Walleye in Minnesota and Steelhead fishing on Lake Michigan.
He is survived by two sons, Scott Bickford of Huntington and Jay Bickford and wife, Lois of Burnsville, Minnesota, six grandchildren, Steven, Kevin, Brandon, Jessica, Heather and Blake Bickford and five great grandchildren, Katie, Lucy, Annie, Jenny and Rowen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Ann Bickford, and two sisters, Bettye Haugh and Virginia Chew.
The family will have a private memorial service with military honors at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Cremation is under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
