Donald Francis Bicknell

Donald Francis Bicknell of La Plata, MD transitioned on February 21, 2026.

Donald Francis Bicknell, born on March 3, 1958, in Charles County Maryland, peacefully transitioned to eternal rest on February 21, 2026. He was born to Francis and Hudson Bicknell had 3 brothers (Paul Bicknell, Davis Bicknell and Art Bicknell) and 1 sister (Joan Bicknell Shaw). He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife Deborah (Stinger) Bicknell.

Donald grew up with his parents, brothers, and sister, attended Charles County Public Schools, graduating from Lackey HS in 19766. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and trained to be an ER Technician. He served in the reserved until Honorably Discharged, then joined the federal workforce in Indian Head, for the EOD & met his first wife Deborah (Stinger) Bicknell, sharing a life in Bryans Road until her passing in 1996. He proudly enjoyed his work with the Navy and the time he spent volunteering with the Indian Head and Bryans Road Fire Dept.

He was constantly learning and growing, furthering his education obtaining a degree at the College of Southern MD but continued learning throughout his entire life. His deep passion for helping people lead him to work with the AFGE as Union Vice President and falling in love with his wife Brenda (Berry) Bicknell living in their home in La Plata, MD. He lovingly cared for her while she went through her process with her kidney transplant. Donald worked for Ace Hardware where he enjoyed meeting new friends and helping others. He was always very proud of the work he did and the people he met along the way, forming great friendships and bonds wherever he went. Donald was not only proud of his work with an admirable work ethic but deeply loved his family and friends. He was a devoted and loving husband to both Deborah and Brenda. He was "Dad" to his 3 stepchildren Cynthia Watkins, Duane Anderson, and John Anderson, loving them as his own and demonstrating what marriage and true love was supposed to look like. "Grandpa" to his 6 grandchildren, Rachael Anderson, James Lenox, William Lenox, Ashely Larkin, Rebecca Anderson, Emma Anderson and 5 great grandchildren, Hailee Anderson, Ryland Anderson, Sophia Larkin, Ava Larkin and Oliver Larkin. He was a key role model in Liam Berry's life; his Uncle Donnie & best friend. He would always tell him to do well in school and that he could grow to be anything he wanted to be. He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews and loved each of them dearly. He genuinely loved his family and the children that had the opportunity to know him and learn from him. If there was a need, he would find a way to help others as much as possible, often opening their home to others and loving them.

Donald enjoyed many things in addition to the joy he found in his friends, family, and his work, like chess, playing cards, watching movies, sitcoms, music and getting together with friends and family. He was very lighthearted, funny, many times with a quick joke, making others smile and laugh.

He as someone that would sit, listen, and talk with you if you just needed an ear or wanted advice. He always made time, stopping to sit and listen, making that conversation a priority, never rushed. His guidance and perspective were gifts that he he shared with many. Always genuine, straight up, honest, empathetic, open minded with a "how can we fix that" kind of attitude.

Friends may visit with the family Tuesday, March 3, from 10 am until time of funeral service at 11 am in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640. Interment will be held at Maryland Veterans Cemetery Cheltenham, MD at a later date. 

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 11:00 am, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing. Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/livestream