Donnie Mack Hickerson's Obituary
Donnie “Mack” Hickerson died peacefully at Christian Care Center in Mesquite, Texas, on April 8, 2017, at the age of 81. Mack was born on September 17, 1935, in Floydada, Texas, to Marvin “Buck” and Loyce Christina (Wahl) Hickerson. He attended Floydada schools until he left to join the United States Army in 1954. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Floydada, Texas, where he married his lifelong partner, Verna “Gail” Kellison, on June 23, 1956. Mack ran his own trucking company from 1956 to 1972, hauling everything from grain to telephone poles across the United States. In the 1960’s, he left the driving to others and began farming. In the midst of all this, the couple welcomed two children into their home. When the children were nearly grown and the empty nest was on the horizon, Mack and his wife started their next endeavor, Hickerson Pumpkins; they shipped pumpkins all over the world until 2010. He was always a hard worker, continuing to farm in Lockney and Edna even from his wheelchair. Mack is survived by his wife, Verna “Gail” Hickerson; son, Leslie “Blake” Hickerson (Cynthia); daughter, Tolya Valan Dawson (Bruce); grandchildren, Rhanda Emery (Coby), Leslianne Emery (Clint), Mackenzie Ho (Nathan), and Parker Dawson; great-grandchildren, Drake, Cole, Slade, and Brackston; nieces, Kenda Willoughby and Vikkee Johnson; nephew, Bart Hensen. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Ann Hensen, and a nephew, Brent Hensen. Mack had a passion for trucking, farming, horses, cattle, and pumpkins. He knew more about pumpkins than anyone around. He was quick-witted; his family never knew what he would say, but it could always make them laugh. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was a 32nd degree Mason. He was a member of Christian Care Church of Christ in Mesquite. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Christian Care Center Church of Christ, 1000 Wiggins Pkwy, Mesquite, Texas 75150. A reception to follow at The Christine Care Center, Greenway Village Multipurpose Room, 948 Wiggins Pkwy, Mesquite, Texas 75150. There will be a private burial for the immediate family held at DFW National Cemetery on Monday, April 24, 2017. In lieu of flowers, honor Mack with memorial contributions to the Christian Care Center Activities. The family would like to give a special thanks to the many caregivers at Christian Care Center for their dedication to making Mack feel like he was home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
What’s your fondest memory of Donnie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donnie?
Share a story where Donnie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donnie you’ll never forget.
How did Donnie make you smile?