Fred W. Hicks' Obituary
Fred W. Hicks
A celebration of the life of Fred Hicks will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 11 in the chapel of Rader Funeral Home on Judson Road. The service will be officiated by Dr. Gregg Zackery, Rev. Scott Schulik, and Dr. Darrell Gantt. Mr. Hicks passed peacefully in his sleep at his home in Liberty City after an extended illness with dementia into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was born on March 23, 1925 in Beaumont, Texas, to Joshua P. and Rosadell Hicks. Fred worked at Texas Eastman for 25 years, retiring in 1985, and spent his retirement years mastering his love of woodworking. Many area people still enjoy his customized craftsmanship. As a member of the Mobberly Baptist Church since 1960, he served as a deacon, sang in the choir, and served on numerous church-wide committees. He led many Boy Scout troups with V.G. Rollins, earned State rating while in his high school band, and later became a member of the Eastman Band.
Fred proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946 during WW II and the Army reserves from 1946-1952. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant.
Mr. Hicks is survived by his wife of 64 years, Della, and his daughters Linda Johnny Allen and Freda Gantt all of Liberty City. He has 4 grandchildren: Kari Carlos Morales-Gantt, Stacy Forrest Hammond, Randy Gantt, and Kelli Kyle Commander. He has 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks go to Marian Kennedy for her gracious and loving care during "Papa's" final days.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 10 at the Rader Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the building fund at Mobberly Baptist Church, 625 E. Loop 281, Longview, TX 75605 www.Mobberly.org..
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