Robert Hickson

Robert Earl “Bob” Hickson was born in Dallas, TX on September 12, 1926. He died at the age of 91 at his home in Carmine, TX on December 28, 2017.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 6 until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

He grew up in Big Spring, TX, better known as Bobby by his friends in his younger years. He graduated at the age of 16 from Big Spring High School on May 28, 1943. Bob married Margaret W. Holley on November 25, 1948.

Upon his graduation from high school, he went to work for American Airlines as a Ground Service Operator. He obtained his Federal Communications Radio Operator’s permit later in 1943 and was promoted to the Radio Operator position for American Airlines.

In 1945, Bob was inducted into the United States Army. He performed his basic training at Camp Crowder, Missouri. He was stationed at Helemano, Hawaii Mid-Pacific Communication Center where he served as a Communications Operator, Teletype and Radio Repairman. He was Honorably Discharged on January 12, 1947.

Immediately upon returning to Big Spring, he entered Howard County Jr. College. He transferred to the University of Texas at Austin in 1948 where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree on January 31, 1950.

His career started in San Antonio, TX at the George R. Donnell, C. P. A. firm as an auditor. In 1952, he went to work for the Webb Air Force Base Exchange Service as an accountant. Bob was promoted to the manager of the Base Exchange at Barksdate Air Force Base in Shreveport, LA. In 1954, he and his family returned to Big Spring where he served as the manager of Lee Hanson Men’s Store. In 1959, he was invited to join Hemphill-Wells Company as an accountant and credit manager. Bob would finish his career at Hemphill-Wells being promoted to store manager in Big Spring in 1968. He served on the Board of Directors and became the Treasurer in 1974. In August of 1974, he became the manager of the San Angelo stores. In 1983 he was named Vice-President and Treasurer of Hemphill-Wells Company. He retired in 1985 after a full and successful career.

Upon retirement, Bob and Margaret enjoyed world travels, playing golf, spending time with his family and finally settling in Carmine, TX with his wife and daughter.

Bob was active in numerous community affairs and held several positions in multiple civic organizations. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Brenham. He received several awards throughout his career and community services. In Big Spring, he served on the Chamber of Commerce, Air Force Association, American Business Club, the Big Spring community Concert Association, The Howard County United Way, the local Red Cross Chapter, Texas Retail Federation, Permian Basin Better Business Bureau, Board of Directors for the First Church of God and the Jack and Jill Kindergarten and Nursery School.

In San Angelo, he served as President of the San Angelo Symphony Society, was active in the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, San Angelo Industries, San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association, West Texas Chamber of Commerce, The Heritage Club, Texas Retail Association, Downtown Rotary Club, and the Board of City Development.

Bob is preceded in death by his father Pete Hickson, his mother Ethel Hickson, great granddaughter Lacy Kaye Terry, great grandson Dillon Graham Terry, son-in-law Charles G. Lacy, sister Marie Hull, brothers Edwin Hickson and John Hickson and brother-in-law Gene Hansrote.

Surviving loved ones include his wife Margaret Hickson of Carmine,TX, son Don Hickson of Austin, TX, daughter Cynthia Lacy of Carmine, TX, granddaughter and grandson-in-law Holley and Gene Sawchuk of Alpharetta, GA, granddaughter and grandson-in-law Diana and Charlie Terry of Carmine, TX, sister Jo Hansrote of Garland, TX, sister and brother-in-law Linda and Howard Long of Marietta, GA, sister-in-law Vaughn Hickson of Dallas, TX, sister-in-law Rita Hickson of Oklahoma City, OK along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements for Robert Earl Hickson are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

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