John Charles Bickford

HOULTON - John Charles Bickford, age 78, of Houlton, Maine, passed away in Houlton Surrounded by his family on November 29th, 2025.
John was born on April 21st, 1947, in Portland Maine to Calvin and Phyllis (Clough) Bickford, the youngest child to his six siblings, Calvin, Leonard, Gardis, James, Arthur, and Kathy.
John married Deborah Gogan on November 3rd in 1965 and together they celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage together, raising their family in Danforth and Houlton, Maine.
John enlisted in the United States Army and served for 36 years in both the active military and the Army National Guard, earning the rank of Master Sargent. Among his many achievements throughout his service, MSG Bickford was revered as a leader and recognized as being an integral part of his unit's success, serving in combat with the First Battalion of the 152nd Field Artillery, in the Vietnam War. He was awarded for his technical proficiency and skill in training his fellow servicemen. He continued service supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement until his retirement in 2006. He was a widely renown liaison amongst law enforcement agencies. His care and concern for those under his leadership was exceptional and earned the respect and admiration of those who served alongside him. One of the achievements he was most proud of however, was his opportunity to swear in his youngest grandson, Malachi Cummings, upon his admittance into the United States Naval Academy, declaring that upon his graduation he looked forward to the honor of saluting him as an officer.
Beyond his service, John was a social member of the community of Houlton, known for his devotion to his family and his generosity to his friends, family, church, and beyond. He was loved and adored for his charm and commitment to serving those around him. There was nothing he couldn't build or fix if someone needed his help, often at his own expense.
John is survived by his wife Deborah, his son, John Bickford II, his daughter Crystal and her husband Terry Cummings, as well as his grandchildren, Natasha McCrum, Jordan and Malachi Cummings, and great grandchildren, Elijah, Cecilia, and Jeannette Cummings, and Amelyia, Nettie, Molly, and Callum McCrum, and Reese and Joseph Cook, and his two surviving siblings Calvin Bickford and Gardis Bodge, and his special nephews Timothy Bodge and Leonard Bickford. His surviving family also includes many Nieces, Nephews, and beyond in the Gogan, Jacobs, Bickford, and Bodge families. John will be dearly missed by his family, but the impact he had will continue to bless the world for generations to come.
Friends may call from 12 pm to 2pm on December 5th, 2025, with services starting at 2 pm at the Calvery Baptist Church in Danforth with the Rev. Maurice Gray. To share memories and condolences please visit www.bowersfuneral.com