Shuman Boyd Bickel

Shuman Boyd Bickel, 87, of Avis passed away peacefully on April 29, 2024 at the Lock Haven Rehabilitation and Senior Living where he had been a resident since January of 2023.

He was born March 2, 1937 in Lock Haven to the late Joseph J. Bickel and Dorothy M. Barner.

He was the husband of the late Patricia (Kring) Bickel of 55 years who passed away on September 8, 2018. They were married on June 15, 1963.

Shuman grew up in Woolrich and became an Eagle Scout. As a young man he had the paper route and enjoyed doing that on his bicycle. He was a big brother to Randy and together they took many camping/fishing trips to Canada with the van.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1956 with basic training at Ft. Bragg, NC and then was stationed in Colorado and Texas to complete his tour. He was honorably discharged in 1962. He often spoke of those years being the best experience of his life and he kept in touch with his fellow soldiers.

He was employed as a diesel mechanic at the former McCormick Dray Line in Avis and Muncy. He then worked for Jersey Shore Steel where he retired.

He was a member of the local car club and was the proud owner of a dark green MGB which he drove around with the top down and a stuffed Lion riding on top of the back seat. He also owned a 1950 F6 Ford and a John Deere Tractor (LA) which you could find at the Nittany Antique Machine Show and in area at parades.

Surviving is a sister, Fairy Jean Breining of Jersey Shore and a sister-in-law Gwen Bickel. He was preceded in death by his brother Joseph H Bickel, a sister Metta Williamson, brother-in-law’s Jim Breining and James “Wimpy” Williamson.

Also surviving is a brother-in-law Errol Kring, sister-in-law’s Sandy Leonard and Donna Baith and a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Shuman will be held at11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at the Helt Funeral Chapel, 232 Hogan Blvd., Mill Hall with Pastor Jim Breining officiating. Friends and relatives will be received from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral chapel.

The committal will be at Rest Haven Memorial Park, Lock Haven with full military honors from the United States Air Force.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting MaxwellHelt.com.