Murray Bicknell
April 2, 1931 — July 12, 2015
Murray S. Bicknell, 84, a resident of Bettendorf, died Sunday, July 12, 2015 at his home.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. -7:00 P.M. on Friday, July 17, 2015 at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf. A graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18th at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Pleasant Valley. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors.
Born on April 2, 1931 in Newton, Iowa, Murray was the only child to Harry Scott and Dorothy (Wheeler) Bicknell. In August of 1952, he married Betty Carroll. She preceded him in death on January 25, 2015.
Murray was a graduate of Newton High School. In January 1951 he enlisted in the United States Marines Corps and participated in action against enemy forces in South and Central Korea. Murray was honorably discharged in January 1954 at the rank of Sergeant.
In 1959 he graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He and Betty moved to the Quad Cities in 1962 and worked for Bendix Instruments and Life Support Division as a sales manager for over 10 years. Murray was the Single Manager of Conventional Ammunition at the Headquarters U.S. Army Armament, Munitions and Chemical Command, Department of the Army at the Rock Island Arsenal. He retired in 1996 after 25 years of service.
In family bands, he was the bass player and moved on to operating the sound board and videotaping performances. He always encouraged his family to participate in music. Murray liked fishing, but loved catching. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever possible. He was famous for never missing a birthday or anniversary for his children and their families. Murray was a quiet hero; the world is a better place because of him. We will miss you Pops!
Those left to honor his memory include his sons, Rhett (Marilyn) Bicknell, Charlie (Kerry) Bicknell and Ray (Janet) Bicknell; his daughter, Rebecca Ruggero; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 62 years, Betty.