WOOSTER – LtCol (Ret) Thomas E. Hickman, 94, a long time resident of Wooster passed away Saturday, February 28th. He was born in 1914 in Staten Island, NY to M/Sgt. Thomas and Elizabeth Meighan Hickman. He was preceded in death by his wife Bernice McCoy Hickman of Lawrence, IN. He is survived by two brothers: John (Evie) of Staten Island, NY and Robert of Sparks, NV and four children: Thomas Jr. of Colorado, David (Debbie) of Pataskala, OH, Jolene (Jodi Cooley) of Columbus and Marlene Morgan of Wooster. He leaves five grandchildren: David Hickman Jr., Holly (Pat) Walters, Brian (Amanda) Hickman, Amy (Kevin) Simpson, and Carrie (Brandon Kuck) Morgan and three great-grandchildren Gabrielle and Griffin Walters and Kylie Simpson. He will be missed by family and friends.
LtCol Hickman’s military career began in 1941 with the 38th Division of the Indiana National Guard. During the Second World War, he had duty stations in Camp Shelby, MS and Camp Livingston, LA and commanded the Second Battalion, 102 infantry at Schofield Barracks, HI. His service included stays in the occupation forces in Fukuoka, Japan and Munich, Germany. In 1956 he was transferred to the 17th Infantry Regiment in Korea and served as the Regimental Executive Officer and later as the Regimental Commander. During his tour he took the Regiment on an amphibious landing onto Okinawa from Pusan, Korea.
He retired from the US Army after 20 years of service in 1961 from Ft. Hayes, Columbus, Ohio Lt. Col Hickman, a strong advocate of higher education, completed his college education, graduating from The Ohio State University to begin a career in secondary education. After teaching in and around the Cleveland area he moved his family to Wooster in 1969 where he taught Army ROTC at Wooster High School, eventually retiring in 1974.
The Colonel was the successful owner of Classic Marble of Wooster and for many years bought and sold real estate throughout Ohio. As the Commander of the 555th Honors Detachment of Wayne County, he presided at many burials of local veterans. As the Honorary Colonel of the 17th Infantry Regiment, he attended many functions across the country as well as travels to Russia, Australia, Hawaii, Korea and China until his failing health limited his activities
His devotion to duty and his steadfast resolve were qualities he valued throughout his life. As an old soldier, Colonel Hickman’s favorite speech was the one Maccarthur delivered to Congress after his retirement, in which he said, Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.
He was a member of Wooster Kiwanis Club and the Downtown Rebounders.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 1:30 P.M. at the Wooster Cemetery with Chuck Craig officiating. Friends may call Friday evening from 6-8:00 P.M. at the McIntire, Davis & Greene Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to The 555th Honors Detachment of Wayne Co. c/o Elton Boyer, 7264 Old Lincoln Way W., Wooster, OH 44691.

Memorial Contributions
555th Honors Detachment

Service
Graveside Service 1:30 P.M. Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Wooster Cemetery

Visitation
Friday, March 6, 2009 from 6-8:00 P.M. at the funeral Home