- Date Of Birth: January 19, 1922
- Date Of Death: September 4, 2016
- State: Indiana
Henry Wayne “Hank” Bicknell, 94, Greensburg, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2016 at the Heritage House Nursing Home in Greensburg.
Henry was born on January 19, 1922 in Easton, Washington to Henry Mortimer and Sylvia Vanisha (Matthews) Bicknell. He weighed a mere two pounds and was thought not to survive but Grandma Martha House nurtured him to health. Henry had one older sister, Nadine Bicknell Ackerman, whom he adored. He also had a younger half-brother, Donald Soderstrum.
Henry went to school in Portland, Oregon at Benson Poly Tech School where he studied gas engines. His schooling was interrupted by the beginning of WWII. At this point he went to work in the San Diego shipyards building ships until he was drafted in December 1942. Upon entering the Army, Henry was told to choose a middle name and he chose Wayne after a newcomer to the movie business named John Wayne. He figured he need a strong name to make it through the war. Henry was sent to Camp Cooke in California, then to Camp Campbell in Tennessee then to Watertown, New York for his departure. He served proudly in the 5th Armored Division that shipped to Europe where he drove an ammunition truck for the tanks. His division was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and the Liberation of Luxemburg in Belgium. He spent 3 years with the 5th Armored Division throughout the Atlantic Theater and this Division was known as Patton’s Ghost for bravery and swiftness in battle and named the Victory Division. Henry returned to Belgium many times to visit friends he made there during the war.
Henry married Dorothy Louise Wolter on January 25, 1969 in Pico Rivera, California. Dot and Henry had many wonderful years together and enjoyed car shows, camping, and traveling. They helped start the Mets Car Club in California and the car club in Greensburg with friends Ron Webb and Willard Jackson. After retiring from many years as a truck driver in Los Angeles, Henry and Dot moved to Greensburg in 1983 to be close to Dorothy’s family. Dorothy started “Dot’s Toys for Tots” at the Decatur County Hospital before her death on May 2, 1999.
Henry was a member of the First Church of God, American Legion, VFW, Tree City Car Club, Mets Club, Teamsters Union, and a supporter of Dot’s Toys for Tots.
Henry is survived by his son, James Wayne Parker, Arizona; stepdaughter, Ellen (Glen) Tennison, Utah; Stepsons, David (Linda) Bales, Arizona, Roger (Sue) Bales, Michigan, Joe Bales, Arizona; adopted daughter, Virgia (Daniel) Dugle, Greensburg; sister-in-law, Rose Wolter; nephews, Rick (Sandy) Ackerman, Washington, Gary (Ozzy) Ackerman, Washington; niece Carol Wright, Wyoming; 3 generations of grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife, sister, and brother.
