Col. Michael Keith Hicks' Obituary
Colonel Mike Hicks, USMC (Ret) was born 29 November 1950 in Fort Worth, Texas, the oldest son of Kathleen and Milton Hicks. Mike attended L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas and upon graduation from Texas Tech University he began living his dream as he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. During his Marine Corps career, Mike had many professional accomplishments but Mike would say that he was most proud to be a leader of Marines, “Never forget what a privilege it is to command Marines, it’s all about them.” Although Mike cut a formidable physical appearance, his sense of humor and quick wit were infamous as he always had a pithy zinger at the ready that would leave you stunned, laughing, and wondering . . . how he consistently does that with such a straight face. All those who served with or knew Mike respected and admired him. He exuded strength yet he carried within himself a silent humility. Mike Hicks lived his life authentically, every day, every hour, every minute. He looked for the best in others and gave the best he had, never putting himself above others . . . just along side. After retirement from the Marine Corps in 2004, Mike continued service to his country while working as the Senior Deputy Transition Manager for Afghanistan with DynCorp Intl. He was actually in Afghanistan when he died early August 7, 2009. As the news of his sudden death spread so many friends have expressed their shock and condolences that one who appeared so indestructible and had such a love for life would be taken so soon. They all comment on how proud Mike was of his family, and how he beamed, particularly when he spoke of his sons. But as we shoulder this sadness we all need to remember that Mike was doing what he wanted to do, living among and serving Marines. Mike will live on and his memory will be kept alive by his parents Kathleen and Milton Hicks of Hurst, TX, Mary Lou, his wife of 35 years and also a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, his sons, Michael, who is a Marine Corps Captain, and his wife Stacy of Sneads Ferry, NC, Christopher of Dover, DE, currently working in Kuwait, Kevin of Dallas, TX, granddaughter Claire Marie, brother Randy Hicks and wife Rhonda, of Bedford, TX, father an mother-in-law J.B. and Frances Frank of Panorama Village, TX, brothers-in-law John Frank and wife Pat of Annandale, VA, Larry Frank and wife Henny of San Benito, Tx, Tom Frank of St. Petersburg, FL and numerous nieces an nephews. Mike leaves this world better than he found it . . . Semper Fidelis. Local services will be held Saturday, 15 August 2009 at the Highland Park United Methodist Church Cox Memorial Chapel, at 11:00 with visitation preceding the service at 10:00 AM. Funeral Services and burial at Arlington National Cemetery will follow at a future date. The Hicks’ family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Marine Military Academy , 320 Iwo Jima Blvd, Harlingen, TX 78550 or Culver Military Academy, 1300 Academy Rd., Culver, IN.
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