Henry Ray Hicks

Henry Ray  Hicks, 80, of Lafayette, passed away,Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at his home with his wife by his side.

He was born August 9, 1941, in Lafayette to the late Lester V. and Sylvia M. (Arndt) Hicks. He was a 1959 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School and enlisted in the United States Army in October 1959, and attended Basic Training in Fort Riley, KS. He then served with the 507 Engineers in Toul, France, during the Berlin Crisis, until 1962. He was honorably discharged with the Good Conduct Medal and Marksmanship Medal in October 1965. On August 9, 1964, he married Patty Pendleton in Lafayette. He was a member of the Dayton Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Ray worked hard his entire life. He was a partner in Hicks and Sons, Inc. Trash Service for 25 years. He then partnered with the T.R. Ash Company of Lafayette on April 1, 1980. Then he worked for Waste Management of Lafayette for 2 years leaving in December 1988. He was a trash man for 34 years and was strong, he could throw 55 gallon drums into a one-ton truck like they weighed 10 pounds.  He could tell you, within 10 lbs, what a 55 gallon barrel full of brass weighed just by picking it up.  It weighs approximately 500 lbs. His final job was as an Assembler with Caterpillar.

Ray was an outdoorsman who liked to grow trees and work in the garden. He also loved fishing and was always up for a fishing trip at anytime of day, his poles were always ready.  He also enjoyed mushroom hunting, always inquiring where others found their mushrooms but never disclosing his. He was a quiet man, so when he spoke, you better listen.  Ray also had a heart of gold and was always there for his family and friends. He was known for his generosity and would help his children out at any time with anything, they just needed to call. His looks were deceiving, many thought he was a grisly bear because of his size, but those who knew him, knew that down deep he was just a Teddy Bear. In the winter, he would light a fire in the stove, read, and work puzzles. He also enjoyed playing pinochle, watching westerns, and reading early history books. Ray was a devoted Boy Scout, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. When he had the boys he volunteered as an Assistant Scout Master.  His scouting days resulted in his love for cooking on the open fire, he would cook hamburgers or steaks with potatoes and onions. Above all else, Ray cherished time with his family and loved his grandchildren with his whole heart. When they were infants, they would fall asleep in his arms and he along with them. His family was his life.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Hicks of Lafayette; sons, Patrick R. (Tracey) Hicks of TX, Thomas I. (Melinda) Hicks of Cutler, and Henry Troy (Adina) Hicks of Lafayette; 6 grandchildren, Kiley, Haley, Hunter, Parker, Addi, and Garrett; and a brother, Lester C. Hicks of Lafayette.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester V. and Sylvia M. Hicks; and sister-in-law, Rita Hicks.

Memorial contributions in Henry’s name may be given to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas,TX 75284-0692, or at www.heart.org or to the Dayton Memorial Presbyterian, 731 Walnut Street, Dayton, IN 47941.

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until time of service at 3:00 pm, Friday, September 24, 2021, at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909 with Rev. Dr. Gladys Nwabah officiating.

Entombment will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, 1718 W. 350 North, West Lafayette, IN 47906.