Thomas F. Bickley

Thomas F. Bickley passed away in Rowlett, Texas on April 15, 2023 at the age of 96. Thomas was born in 1927 in Fort Bend County, Texas. Thomas enlisted in the reserve corps and the United States Army as a Rifleman near the end of WWII. Thomas served in Belgium and France, as well as the army of occupation in Germany. He attended West Point Military Academy and finished up his education at the University of Texas at Austin. While stationed in Germany, Thomas took up boxing. After a wrist injury halted his ring career, he learned that the Red Cross was sponsoring fencing classes at the University of Heidelberg. A series of fencing masters took an interest in him which he modestly guessed was perhaps due to his supply of cigarettes and coffee. He specialized in epee (the dueling sword). Following his honorable discharge from the army and while working at Bell Aircraft, Thomas was appointed to the U.S. Olympic Fencing Squad for the 1955 Pan-American games in Mexico City and the 1956 Olympic games in Melbourne, Australia. Thomas later provided coaching for women's fencing and was active for many years in the fencing community. Thomas was also instrumental in the design and model testing of stealth aircraft (radar resistant fighter planes) and later used his industrial engineering skills to develop multiple inventions and patents for medical usage. Thomas is survived by his adored sister Laura "Lolly" Boswell, his niece Laura Degelia (Patrick), his grand-nephews James (Laura Bradley) Degelia and Samuel (Gabrielle) Degelia, and his new great grand-nephew Lucas. Additionally, Thomas is survived by his friends and neighbors (especially Ray Hubnick) from his previous residence in Bedford, Texas. Thomas is preceded in death by his father and mother, J.T.H. and Allyne Bickley, his beloved sister Jo, as well as his adored Aunt Nelle and Aunt Mildred. A funeral service will be held at St. John's Episcopal chapel 848 Harter Road Dallas, Texas at 10 A.M., Friday, May 26th. Interment will occur at the DFW National Cemetery Columbarium 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, Texas at 2:30 P.M. sharp, Friday May 26th.