Jack O. Hicks
Jack O. Hicks, 83 of Apollo Beach, FL passed away Friday September 17, 2021 after a brief illness.
Jack was born Sept 26, 1937, in Sharkey, KY to the late Willis and Rusha (Kegley) Hicks. Jack graduated from Fleming County High School and joined the US Air Force 1954-1959. Upon this honorable discharge, he returned to LaRue, where his family had moved from KY. He later became part owner of Coonie’s Place and then purchased the LaRue Lumber Company which he operated until 1982. During this time, he started working for the US Postal Service in the railway division and then became a rural route carrier.
He served on LaRue council and was elected Mayor of LaRue for 10 years. In 1967 he was elected to the position of State of Ohio Commander of the Disabled American Veterans. He went on to hold numerous national offices and in 1972 he was elected to the office of National Commander where he was the youngest person ever to hold this office. He helped serve many veterans with their claims and benefits over the years.
During this time in 1980 he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to serve as a Presidential appointment on the National Highway Safety Committee. At that time, he was working at the Marion County Auditors office. Up on moving to Apollo Beach he went to work for Cox Lumber in 1986 up to his retirement.
In November 1996 Governor George Voinovich of Ohio nominated him for induction into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame
He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Am-Vets, VFW, Lions Club, and US Air Force Sergeants Association.
Jack is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sue Hicks; Daughter Jackie (Doug) Carr of Marion; Son Jeff (Pam) Hicks of Houston, MS. stepdaughter Robin (John) Wilson of Apollo Beach, FL. Grandchildren Nicole Sayre, Tiffany Sayre, and Megan Parker of Marion, Alec Wilson of Apollo Beach, FL. Great grandchild Franklin Weaver of Marion. Sisters Barb Adams of Marion, Jo Creamer of LaRue, Pam Warner of Marion, Brothers Dan (Claudia) Hicks of LaRue and Rick Hicks of Cardington, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly. Preceding him in death were his Parent’s Willis & Rusha Hicks, Brother William (Bill) Hicks. brother-in-law Jerry Adams, Jim Warner, and sister-in-law Nancy Hicks.
He will be buried in Sarasota National Cemetery with Military Honors at a later date.
Arrangements are being handled by Zipperer’s Funeral Home
Memorial gifts may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250
| Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home is not assisting the family with arrangements. We are posting the obituary here as a courtesy. |
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home