Herman Ray VanSickle's Obituary
Dr. Herman Ray VanSickle, MD, 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and close friends on March 12, 2008 at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview. He was born May 28, 1935, in Longview, Texas, son of Herman Roy and Ida Sue VanSickle. He was raised in Pampa, Texas. Herman earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and went on to earn a Medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston on June 10, 1963. He then established a thirty-eight year medical practice in Longview, Texas, which included serving as Chief of Staff at Good Shepherd Medical Center, Local Delegate to Texas Medical Association, long-time Gregg County doctor and served as the Longview High School Athletic Doctor. He served as a Lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the United States Navy and was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Kingsville, Texas during the Vietnam War. His passions for life included hunting, fishing, gardening and theatre which began in high school and continued throughout his life. He was actively involved in Boy Scouts of America, achieving an Eagle Scout award and as an adult Scout Master. He was an active member of the Jaycees, Master Mason, NRA, Ducks Unlimited, where he was the founding chairman of Ducks Unlimited of Gregg, County and was a lifetime sponsor, active member of the University of Texas Alumni and Acacia Fraternity. He participated in the Longview Community Theater. Herman enjoyed annual fishing trips to Lake City, Colorado with family and friends throughout his entire life. Spending time at the deer lease with the "Bagley Hunt Group" brought him lots of joy. He spent his last years spending time with his family, tending to his vegetable garden and catching up with his old friends through the RODEO Club Retired Old Doctors Eating Out. Herman loved his family. He was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. He is preceded in death by his son Lance VanSickle, his brother Keith, and parents. He is survived by his wife Sue; his brother Kenneth and wife Carol , and nieces, Laura and Diana, of Basye, Virginia; his sons Matt and Doug VanSickle of Longview, and Jeremy Moore of Houston; his daughters, Debbie VanSickle of Austin, Beth Ingram and Son-in-law Joel McGuire of Longview, Amy and Randy Nichols of Gilmer, Meridith and Jeb Brown of Frisco, Heather Moore of Dallas; his first wife and friend, Ann Belt; his grandchildren include Leslie and Brian Henderson, Aaron and Jacob VanSickle, Adam and Heather Ingram, Haley and Brian Reitinger, and Leslye VanSickle, Andrew VanSickle, Madeline Moore, and Austin and Nolan Brown; and his great-grandchildren Chloey, Michelle, and Alaina. He is survived by his best-friends Dr. Jimmie Bagley, Dr. Ted Rankin, Terry Forrester, and Marvin Bear. Herman will be remembered as a compassionate physician, full of life, courage, strength and especially his love of family. He was an asset to our community and will be forever missed. Hook 'em Horns! Donations may be made in his name to the Good Shepherd Medical Foundation, Attention: Paula Poole, 700 E. Marshall Ave., Longview, Texas, 75601. A memorial service will be held 10 AM Saturday, March 15, 2008, in the chapel of Rader Funeral Home, 1617 Judson Rd., with Mr. Ken VanSickle officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 6-8 PM. A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com
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