Thomas L. Hicks, of Lafayette, IN, died Thursday, March 24th at Mulberry Health and Retirement Community.

He was born July 8, 1939, in Tippecanoe County, to the late John and Henrietta Kaiser Hicks.

Tom graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and proudly proclaimed that he was a “Broncho, Class of '57!” He also attended Purdue University.

Tom married Patricia Ann Rose on October 10, 1964 at St. Lawrence Parish in Lafayette.

Tom worked tirelessly and touched many people along the way. He worked at Ross Gear, owned and operated CSR Electronics, worked as a Purchasing Agent for Lafayette Instrument Co., and finally retiring as a Purchasing Agent from Steiner Enterprises in 2009.

Tom loved his Catholic Faith and was a parishioner of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception. He was a proud supporter and advocate for the Lafayette Catholic Schools giving his time and talent in countless ways for nearly 35 years.

“Hickory” Tom enjoyed music, dancing, playing golf, attending sporting events, working in his yard and on his house. He also followed the Purdue Boilermakers, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Celtics. But most of all he cherished spending time with his friends, family and especially his grandchildren. They will tell you he was the best grandpa ever!

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 51 years-Patricia A. Hicks; Sons-Darren J. Hicks (wife Carla) of Lafayette; Thomas P. Hicks (wife Shelly) of Lafayette; Daughter-LeAnn R. Hicks Roe (husband Doug) of Aurora, IL; Brother-Bill Hicks (wife Barb) of Ft. Wayne; Sister-Lorie Crowe of Lafayette; Sister-in-law-Ruth Hicks of Lafayette; Grandchildren Taylor, Adam, Shelby, Emily, Kylee, and Kaycie.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents John and Henrietta; Granddaughter Caitlyn Hicks; Brother Jack Hicks; Brother-in-law Bob Crowe; Sister and Brother-in-law Mary & Charlie Kearney.

Visitation will be Monday, March 28, from 11:00am – 1:00pm at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception.

Mass will follow at 1:00pm with Fr. Jeff Martin officiating.

Private burial will be at St. Boniface Cemetery.

Those wishing may contribute to the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception (http://saintmarycathedral.org/) or to Lafayette Catholic Schools Tuition Assistance (http://lcss.org).