Donald E. Bickhart

Donald E. Bickhart, 81, of Annville, Pennsylvania, left this earth to fly with the angels Sunday August 23, 2015, at his home. Born on March 11, 1934 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late John F. Bickhart and the late Dorothy (Tshudy) Bickhart Yerkes. Mr. Bickhart attended high school until the age of 17, at which time he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951. He bravely served one tour during the Korean War and two tours during the Vietnam War. Upon retiring from the United States Navy, after dedicating 22 years of his life to the protection of his country, he then worked at Houck Manufacturing in Cleona for 16 years. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 23, as well as a member of Disabled American Veterans. He is also a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Annville. Donald spent much of his time with his family. He was a distinguished man that took a lot of pride in the life he built for his family. Family was most important in his life. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting and watching FOX News. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Rohrbach) Bickhart. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in January, 2016. Surviving are two daughters, Donna Barr of Maryland and Wanda, wife of David Deiner of Lebanon. Also surviving are granddaughters Danielle Deiner of Lebanon and Tara Dietz of Maryland; and one grandson Matthew Deiner of Lebanon. Also surviving is a great-granddaughter Ryleigh Dietz. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jackie Ball and a son-in-law, Bruce Barr. An evening viewing will be held Thursday August 27, 2015 from 7 until 9pm at Kreamer Funeral Home; 618 E. Main Street Annville, PA 17003. A service will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Church on Friday August 28, 2015 at 11am. The service will be officiated by Father Job Foote. Please come to join the family during these difficult times, and to help celebrate Donald’s life. Burial with military honors will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Lebanon, PA following the service. In lieu of flowers, please forward donations to the Disabled American Veterans Association 3725 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, KY 41076 and/or the Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund. Bureau of Administrative and Financial Services Division of Budget 625 Forster St. Room 832, Health and Welfare Building Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701.

Donald E. Bickhart

March 11, 1934 - August 23, 2015