Richard Francis Bickings

Richard Francis Bickings, Sr., 89, of Punxsutawney, Pa., entered peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 1, 2025. He was born in Philadelphia, to Francis Marian Bickings and Edna Viola (Rickert) Bickings, one of five children. He spent the last 39 years of his life married to Carmen R. (Acosta) Bickings.

 Richard was a United States Marine Corps Veteran and honorably served during the Korean War. Following his military service, he went to college and seminary, earning several master’s degrees and became a Pastor and an English Teacher.

 Richard had a passion for farming and a love for raising goats, horses, beef cattle, emus, etc. His farm was named “Hummingbird Knoll Farm.” He later enjoyed raising tomatoes in his greenhouse and selling his crops at the Amish auctions. He was energetic, smart, and incredibly kindhearted. Reading was a favorite pastime as there was always more to learn and understand.

 In addition to Carmen’s children, Louis A. Acosta of Phoenix, Arizona and Ruth (Roger) Guenther of Atco, New Jersey, and grandchild, Shahna (Rob) Allen, he is survived by his four children: Richard F. (Donna) Bickings Jr. of Millsboro, Delaware, Douglas (Mary Jane) Bickings of Port St Lucie, Florida, Sharolyn (Ronald) Perkins of Buena, New Jersey and Glenda (Glenn) Conover of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Seven grandchildren: Kim (Mark) Ludwick, Lori Ebner, Scott (Kim) Perkins, Stacy (Andrew) Barnes, Michael (Susanne) Bickings, Candice (Kevin) Warren and Danielle Bickings; fifteen great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; one sister, Marlene Croy of Morgantown, Pennsylvania. 

 A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday June 7, 2025, at Shumaker Funeral Home, 115 East Union Street, Punxsutawney, Pa. 15767, with visitation from 10 a.m. until noon, and the service from noon to 1:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by his son, Richard F. Bickings Jr., with the Interment to follow at Union Hill Cemetery, Rossiter, where military honors will be accorded by the Rossiter American Legion. 

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