Search by Name

Search by Name

WALTER BICKSTON Obituary

BICKSTON BG WALTER J. BICKSTON (Age 85) United States Army (Ret.) Passed away at home Monday, September 11, 2017 in Northern Virginia. He was born in New York on December 23, 1931, as one of 16 live births and grew up knowing the value of hard work and integrity. He was a champion for the underdog. He supported himself while attending Bronx High School of Science where he met Barbara S. Parmet who he went on to marry in 1952. He attended CCNY in the ROTC program, earning his B.A. in Philosophy. He later earned a Masters in Communication while simultaneously attending the Army War College in Carlisle, PA. Walter's military service began with his commission as second lieutenant in 1954 and culminated with his retirement as a Brigadier General in 1987. He was a member of the Third Army Rifle Team at Fort Bragg in 1956, returning 26 years later as Chief of Staff of the XVIII Airborne Corps. In 1956 he took his young wife, daughter Kathy and chubby son Mark to Japan. His first tour in Vietnam was in 1962-3 where he acquired combat expertise that he shared with the British as an exchange officer to the 22nd Cheshire Regiment before returning to Vietnam for a second tour. He served in Stuttgart, Germany and then commanded RDASIA, an Army computer agency in Radford, VA. His enthusiasm for sleeping on the ground led to an extended tour in Korea, first as Brigade Commander then as Chief of Staff of the Second Infantry Division under General "Barbed Wire" Bob Kingston. He served as Director of Operations, J3 of the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force, now known as CentCom. His final assignment was as Chief of Staff, Sixth US Army on the Presidio of San Francisco. After military retirement, he returned to Virginia where he worked for BDM Inc, finally retiring as Vice President for Defense and Intelligence Programs. A partial list of his decorations and badges speaks to his courage and sacrifice. These include the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Legion of Merit (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star with V device (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Purple Heart (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Pathfinder Badge. Though not much of a joiner of clubs and societies, Walter belonged to the Pershing Rifles at CCNY. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and was Master of his Blue Lodge in Japan. He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara; daughter, Kathleen Bickston; sons, Mark Bickston (Susan) and Stephen Bickston (Tamara). He is also survived by three loving grandchildren from Texas, Matthew Bickston (Laura), Luke Bickston (Erin) and Ashlye Underwood (Matt), as well as two great grandchildren, Porter and Connor and two loving granddaughters from Virginia, Lilah and Abigail. The grand-dogs are too many to list. His life's focus was to help and protect others. Throughout his life there were few conversations that did not include him asking what he could do to help. A private burial with Full Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in the months to follow. A private burial with Full Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in the months to follow.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Sep. 24, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for WALTER BICKSTON

Not sure what to say?





Mark Doherty

July 25, 2018

Drove for the General at Ft. Bragg 1981 - 1983: He was a great man, and Leader. My condolences to his family.

MIke Key

November 30, 2017

I would like to say what came to mind when I read about this death of a great man! The fridge in the Garage! Walter was with my regiment the 22nd Cheshire Regiment. However, when he served my Father was the Paymaster of the Battalion and I was a young lad. I knew Mark. The size of that there fridge to an English kid was amazing! I am sad to read of Walter's passing via the Cheshire Regiment News Letter (Last Post!). May he RIP. My condolences and good wishes to all the family.

Larry Owen

November 4, 2017

Servered with Col Bickston when was the Chief of Staff with the 2d Inf Div. I was a G-3 Air OPS/Tng officer, briefed him frequently and learned many professional elements from him. Have always respected his professionalism and deep concer for the troops. Will miss him greatly and am very sorry for the families loss.

Sandra Ramagos

September 30, 2017

My deepest sympathy for the Bickston Family. You are all in my prayers. I am so sorry for your great loss.

LTC (RET) Terrence Cooney

September 25, 2017

I was his "Iron Brigade" engineer in the 2nd ID. In Apr 78 our jeeps were parked next to each other on a hill in ROK watching an exercise. He turned to me and noticing my accent asked where I went to school. Turned out we were both CCNY ROTC alumni. He was a great soldier and a great person.

George Kolesar

September 24, 2017

An absolutely wonderful soldier. Tough, brilliant, and fair. I was honored to serve under him.

September 24, 2017

My condolences to the family. May the peace of God and the fond memories you cherish comfort and sustain you in your time of need.
-RM

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in WALTER BICKSTON's name

Memorial Events
for WALTER BICKSTON

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support WALTER's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor WALTER BICKSTON's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more