LEWISTON – Donald “Donnie” Sumner Bickford, 86, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, after a brief illness at the Marshwood Care & Rehabilitation Center.

Donnie was born in Lisbon Falls, on May 30, 1919, a son of the late Leslie and Daisy (Green) Bickford.

He was educated in local schools and attended Lisbon Falls High School. He left school to serve his country during World War II for the United States Air Force, where he served as a mechanic.

When he returned home he owned and operated his business Bickford’s Garage in Bowdoin, he then went on to work for A.C. Peterson’s Construction Co. in Auburn, and then to W.D. Matthews Machinery Co. for 25 years until his retirement. He married Dorothy Jones on July 26, 1952, and together they raised a family.

He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

In previous years, he was a member of the Calvary Methodist Church in Lewiston, the Ashlar Masonic Lodge 105 in Auburn, the DAV 11, Emilien Hamann in Lewiston, which he was a member of since 1950, the Androscoggin Valley Square & Compass Club, and the Thorns Corner Grange 498 in Lewiston.

He is survived by his two stepsons, Randall Woodcock of Lewiston, Calvin Woodcock and wife, Robin, of Gray; his sister, Charlene Bartlette and her husband, Charles; three grandchildren, Ryan Woodcock and wife, Charlene, of Colchester, Conn., Rhonda Tremblay and husband, John, of Manchester, Conn., and Joshua Woodcock; four great-grandchildren, Julia and Katie Tremblay, Dylan and Cody Woodcock, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his loving wife, Dorothy on June 1, 2004; and his brother, Kenneth Bickford.

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