F. "Gene" Hickman

Beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, F. Eugene “Gene” Hickman peacefully went to be with his Lord on September 11, 2009. Services will be held on Monday, September 14 at 10:00 AM at Stewart Family Funeral Home with Bro. Dale Perry from Friendly Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Flint Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Mr. Hickman was born at home in Teaselville on June 21, 1927. Gene met and married Bettie Ruth Barnes in 1966 and they have been happily married for 43 yrs. Gene held the rank of Corporal in the US Army until honorably discharged in 1947. He received the WWII Victory medal. He and Bettie are loved members of Friendly Baptist Church since 1966 and most recently one ‘pair’ of the “Pairs and Spares” class. Gene proudly worked for and retired as a patrolman after 35 yrs, 6 mos and 1 day with the Tyler Police Dept. Gene’s memory lives through survivors including his devoted wife, Bettie who faithfully stayed by his side day and night, 2 sons and daughters-in-law: James Hickman and Vickie, Vicksburg, MS, and Kerry Hickman and Carrie Sue, Flower Mound, and one daughter and son-in-law: Stacey Dickerson and Roscoe, Flint, 2 wonderful sisters, who kept a daily vigil and brothers-in-law: Pauline Peters and Bud, Chapel Hill, and Mamie Laney and Mack, Tyler. Gene was the proud “grandpa” to 1 grand-daughter and grandson-in-law: Jaime Thurston Grantham and Casey, Keller, and proud “Pops” to 2 grandsons: Hunter and Trevor Hickman, Flower Mound. His legacy continues through 2 great-grandchildren: April and Bryson Thurston, Keller. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Sr. in 1963 and Ruthie on August 18, 2009 and 2 brothers, Arthur “Judy” Hickman, Jr. and Cecil E. Hickman. Family will receive friends on Sunday, September 13 from 2:00–4:00pm at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler. Pallbearers will be Kent Wiggins, Dwaine Thedford, Tony Laney, Toby Laney, Buddy Peters, Butch Peters, Melvin “Jr” Steel, and Nick Wiggins. Honorary pallbearers are Art Hickman and Eddie Hickman, the Tyler Police Dept Honor Guard and Officers (past and present) as well the Pairs and Spares Class. Favorite hobbies included fishing, hunting, watching Westerns and the Rangers, playing dominoes with friends, and camping with Bettie as long as his health allowed. Gene was witty, loving, and had many friends and family who cherished him. He will be missed beyond words. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of East Texas (Home Place) Foundation, 4111 University Blvd • Tyler, TX 75701 • (903) 266-3400 and the NTAF- National Transplant Assistance Fund - (800) 642-8399 or www.transplantfund.org

F. "Gene" Hickman

June 21, 1927 - September 11, 2009