SCHAUMBURG, IL — Willard W. “Bill” Bickford, owner of Clyde’s Donuts, died on November 6. He was 94 years old.
The youngest of eight siblings, Bickford was born in Corning, IA, and raised on his family’s farm. After a short career in the US Navy following World War II, he moved to Chicago and began his career at Clyde’s Delicious Donuts in 1948, working for the man who would become his father-in-law.
Known affectionately by Clyde’s employees as “Mr. B,” Bickford took full ownership of the company in 1963. Under his hands-on direction and leadership style, Clyde’s embarked on a period of growth and modernization for several decades, taking the bakery successfully into the 21st century.
“Dad loved his work and career at Clyde’s, he loved donuts, and he loved the many employees who have made Clyde’s successful,” said Kim Bickford, Clyde’s CEO and Bill’s son.
A memorial gathering will be held December 11, 2021, from 11 am until the formal memorial service begins at 1 pm. at Bucaro Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Bloomingdale, IL.
For more information, please visit www.BucaroFuneralHome.com.
