Thomas Hicks

Thomas Francis Hicks, 80, formerly of Merrillville, IN passed away in the presence of his immediate family on April 24th, 2016 in Hickory, NC. Tom is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Holota Hicks. Preceded in death by his parents Cloren and Mary Ellen Hicks. Survived by his children, Karen Hicks (Bob Stupar), Taylorville, NC, Cathryn Hicks, Hickory, NC, Elaine Hicks, Greeley, CO, Kim Torp, (Mark), Batavia, IL, brothers Robert Dupree, Crown Point, IN, John (Jack) Hicks (Marjorie) Crown Point, IN, Kathleen Georgelas, (Gust), Munster, IN, James Hicks (Lynn), Long Island, NY, and his favorite granddaughter, Valerie Torp, Batavia, IL. Tom graduated from Bishop Noll High School, class of 1953. He was proud to have served his country in the mid-1950's. His years of service in the U.S. Navy on board the USS Yellowstone gave him a lifetime of memories. Tom worked in the rail, oil and insurance industry and was an entrepreneur who operated businesses in Hammond and Merrillville. Tom possessed a very large and kind heart and was beloved by his daughters, nieces and nephew for his constant attention to the progression of their lives. He was a good man who was happiest when he was helping others. He put his organizational skills to good use in his later years by planning his Bishop Noll class reunions. Tom loved traveling and especially driving on extended trips with Betty as his co-pilot. He lived a long, full, blessed life and the many people whose lives he touched will miss him dearly. The funeral will be Saturday, April 30th, 2016 at Holy Name Church in Cedar Lake, IN. Burial will follow at Holy Name Church Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service in Crown Point, IN from 3-8pm Friday April, 29th, 2016. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Weld County at 1620 42nd St, Evans, CO 80620 Please sign the online guestbook at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Hicks family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.