Don Hicks 1942-2021
Donald E. “Don” Hicks, 79, of Parsons, passed away at 4:21 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, at his home.
Don and his twin brother, Ron, were born on Jan. 29, 1942, to William and Irene (McCormick) Hicks in Belleville, Ill. When the twins were eight weeks old, the family moved to Parsons, where they grew up and attended school. Together they graduated from Parsons High School, Parsons Junior College and Pittsburg State College.
In 1969, Don earned a bachelor of arts degree in biology and a master of science degree in biology and secondary teaching. He later earned an administration degree from Washburn University. From 1965 to 1976, Don taught biology, physiology and zoology at Holton High School. He then moved to Topeka and worked for the State of Kansas in vocational rehabilitation until his retirement in 2004.
He was a lifetime member of Central Christian Church in Parsons. He was currently a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Parsons.
Don married Julianne Daley in Parsons in 1962. The couple divorced in 1976. He then married Marjie Gale and became the stepfather of her children, Bailey and Josh Chaloupek. The couple later divorced. In 2002, Don and Cindy Smith were united in marriage. She survives.
Survivors include his wife, Cindy, and their adopted children, Devon, Justin and Amaya, of the home; his daughters, Terri Ann Jacobson (Scott) and her children, Gabriel (Cindy) and Caitrin, of Lawrence, and Laura Ann Cruse and her children, Brett (Bianca), Sara and Zach, of Parsons; his son, John William Hicks (Tiffany) and their daughter, Aubrey, of Lawrence, and Allison, Ashlyn and Alex Hicks, of Parsons; the children of his daughter, Julianne (Annie) Hicks, Isaiah of Parsons, Aliyah of Okinawa, Japan, and Caleb of Lawrence; six great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Amy Bartholomew and her children, Cassidy and Ryan, of Auburn, Renee Smith and her children, Kendra and Earnest Jay (E.J.), of Topeka, and Jamie Smith of Topeka; Don’s twin brother Ron and his wife, Theresa, of Olathe; and Ron’s granddaughter Laressa of Kansas City.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Julianne (Annie) Hicks on March 27, 2016; and his older brother, David Hicks.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. The family will receive friends following the service.
Memorials are suggested to the USD 503 Foundation for sports programs or LCC Foundation for scholarships. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.
Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
