Samuel “Sam” Bickel

Posted

Samuel “Sam” Bickel, 85, passed away Nov. 7, 2018, at home with family present. He was born in Centralia in 1933, to George and Alice Bickel.

Sam lived in Centralia until third grade when the family moved to Chehalis. He graduated from Chehalis High School in 1951, then attended Centralia College. Sam married a Centralia girl, Carolyn Hensley.

He worked for Union Pacific Railroad for 40 years, the majority as an engineer. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ, his church, the people and pastor, his job, his cattle ranch, the Mariners, the Seahawks, grandchildren and greats. He was a people person and a terrific storyteller.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Carolyn; sons, Steve, Dan (Leah), Sam (Karen) and Miles (Bobbi); daughter, Marcia Waters; 14 grandchildren; and 17 greats; and sisters, Barbara Swanson and Beverly Purvis.



He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Paul and George “Buck”.

A potluck memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, at Grace Foursquare Church, 3030 Borst Ave., Centralia WA 98531.

The family thanks Hospice Comfort Care for their loving services.