Graveside services for W.A. Hickman, 88, previously of Athens, are scheduled for 9:00 a.m., Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Holly Springs Cemetery in Montalba, with Pastor Leonard Navarre officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.
Mr. Hickman passed away June 27, 2022, in Andrews.
William Arthur Hickman, Jr. was born September 6, 1933, in Montalba, Texas, the son of William Arthur Hickman, Sr. and Nancy Ann (Hogg) Hickman. He attended the Montalba School District until the ninth grade and graduated from Palestine High School. W.A. was drafted into the United States Army right out of high school, where he served during the Korean War. He worked with the Duval Corporation for 42 years as a potash miner in Carlsbad, New Mexico. W.A. was a 32nd degree Mason with Lodge #21 in Carlsbad and is the only living charter member of the Central Christian Church of Carlsbad. W.A. served on the board of purchasing the Guadalupe Christian Service Camp, where he volunteered many hours. He was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church of Athens, Texas, enjoyed yard work and farming, and was known for his tomato plants that would get over eight feet tall and his chili peppers. W.A. also had twenty pecan trees and was affectionately known as ‘Papa Con’ by his grandchildren. He will be missed by all those that knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 43 years, F. LaVerne (Mears) Hickman; his second wife of 9 years, Peggy Hickman, and two sisters, Helen Manning and Veleria Gandy.
Survivors include children, Rhonda Coggin and husband Carl of Andrews, Cheryl Conklin and husband Doug of Edmond, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Travis Conklin and wife Jennifer, Carrie McDonald and husband Adam, Dr. Trevor Conklin and wife Megan; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 8, 2022, from 5-7:00 p.m. at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.