Martin Nicholas Bickel

PALMYRA, Mo. -- Martin Nicholas Bickel, 96, of Palmyra, died Saturday (March 8, 2014) in the Lewis County Nursing Home in Canton.

Martin was born July 14, 1917, in Muncie, Kan., to Henry William and Ida Louise Drewel Bickel. Martin was married to Hazel Irene Anderson on March 21, 1948, in Knox City. She died Sept. 12, 1996.

Mr. Bickel was a Marion County farmer for 58 years. He also served with Farmer's Mutual Insurance Co. in Marion County as an adjuster and agent. He also served as Farmer's Mutual president and was on the board of directors. Martin served on the board of directors of Luther Manor Nursing Home and Farmer's Co-op.

He attended school in Kansas City, Mo., Levasy, Mo., and Miami County, Kan.

He was a devout member of Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra for more than 58 years. He served in various capacities, offices and boards for the church. He was a firm believer in Jesus Christ as his savior and redeemer.

Survivors include daughters, Mary (Bob) Gray of Carbondale, Ill., Ruth (Harlan) Kaden of Glasford, Ill., and Liz (Keith) Harmening of Palmyra; grandchildren, Ronald (Deanna) Gray of Reno, Nev., Justin Kaden of Glasford, Bryant (Lindy) Kaden of Brooten, Minn., and Jason Harmening of Austin, Texas; and great-grandchildren, Martin, Matthew and Macy Kaden of Brooten.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; infant sister, Ruth Catherine Bickel; and a sister, Evelyn Bickel Palmer.

SERVICES: 11 a.m. Friday in the Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra. The Rev. David Johnson will conduct. Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra.

Casket bearers will be Ron Gray, Justin Kaden, Jason Harmening, Bryant Kaden, Steve Reuter and Aaron Drebes.

VISITATION: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel, Palmyra.

MEMORIALS: Zion Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.

ARRANGEMENTS: Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel, Palmyra.

WEBSITE: www.lewisbrothersfuneralchapel.com.