John Biard Hickman
January 5, 1933 ~ January 19, 2017
John Biard Hickman
John Biard Hickman was born to Roy and Ruth Hickman on January 5 1933 at Porters hospital in Denver. He arrived safely in Heaven on January 19, 2017 at the age of 84. He grew up in Englewood and attended Englewood high school. While in school he played the trumpet as a proud member of the Pirate marching band.
After High school John was accepted to the University of Denver where he was planning on majoring in music. The Korean War was in full swing at the time and he decided to forego College and go directly into the Navy. Why the Navy, because they had better uniforms. He served in the Navy from December 1951 to December of 1955 on the USS. McGowan. John loved the Navy and while on an around the world cruise tasted his first pizza in Italy. While in the Navy, John asked Carol to be his bride, not on one knee, but by phone. He arranged for his brother Frank to buy the ring and be there when he called and at the appropriate moment Frank slid the ring on her finger. John and Carol were married on February 18, 1954. They were married a month short of 63 years. They had three children, Mike, Dana, and Susan, four Grandchildren, Heidi, Amy, John, and Chris and seven Great Grandchildren.
John was employed at Martin Company/Martin Marietta for 35 years as a Maintenance Engineer retiring at the age of 58.
John was he a long time faithful member of the First Christian of Englewood now known as Englewood Bible Church. He served as a Sunday school teacher, high school department superintendent and was a member of both the Deacons and the Board of Elders. He was a passionate believer and shared the gift of Salvation to any he could.
During his life he enjoyed a passion for the outdoors, including camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and cycling. He had a great relationship with his older brother, Frank, spending many hunting trips with their sons. It wasn’t unusual to hear them talking, laughing and praying together late into the night. John had a love for dogs and had several over his lifetime, his last and perhaps deepest love was for Lacy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Frank, and sister-in-law Adelle and brother-law Ed.
He is survived by his family and will be missed by all.
A Celebration of John's life will be held at the Englewood Bible Church on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. Private family graveside services were held at Fort Logan National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make
memorial contributions in John's name to:
Englewood Bible Church
3190 South Grant Street
Englewood, Colorado 80113
Family and friends are encouraged to share stories and photographs here on John's website (click appropriate tab on the left side of this page).
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I have known John Hickman for over 45 years now, and his passing will leave a void in my life and those that were close to him. When Mike and I became close friends, a visit to the Hickman home always meant a meal, a good time, and a solid family experience. I didn't have a dad at home, really didn't have one from the day I was born. John filled this void in many ways by leading by example and taking me under his wing several times and showing me how to fix a car, or giving me advice. He always had a smile on his face, and even later in life, he still offered sound advice on things. I appreciate Mike, Dana, and Susan sharing a bit of their Dad with me. I appreciate Carol also, being another mom in my life. I love you guys.
It is with a sad heart to see him go. But there is rejoicing in heaven. His father and our Lord Jesus Christ is holding him now. We will say good bye for now and look forward to seeing him again. He was a wonderful christian man and was loved by many people.
Susan, blessings to you and your family. You have been a loyal and faithful daughter. Hugs and wishes for wonderful memories.
Patches and I have had the great Privilege of knowing and becoming friends with John, Carol and their lovely family. John was a quiet, sweet, unassuming man who had a quick smile for everyone. His love for Carol and the family was very evident . We always had a wonderful time on our outings and John just made it so much fun with quick thoughts and eating the biggest sandwich we could find.
John we will forever miss you and will take very good care of your darling Carol. Rest in peace my friend.
Love
Judy and Patches
John has been in my bible study since he moved to Life Care. He was a delight to know and showed the love of God by the way he lived. I will miss seeing his smiling face.
Dear Carol, Michael, Dana, Susan and families,
I'm sorry that I can't be there with you tomorrow, I have been sick so am unable to attend. I will be with you in heart & spirit. Hugs, love and prayers for comfort for each of you.
Your Dad will always be Johnny to me – that's what my Mom always called him so I knew him only as Johnny. He was more a brother to my Mom than cousin….along with Frank and Aunt Pearl's son, Jim. As an only child she had no siblings, they were her brothers. Johnny was always there for Mom & our family and was more an Uncle to me than a cousin. When Mom was called home, Johnny was right there with her and us. I will never forget that!!!! He brought us comfort and love in our time of sorrow even when he was grieving too. A pillar of strength and love to us.
He was one of the most wonderful men I have ever known! He had a smile and warm hug for everyone! He loved God, his wife, children, grand children, great grand kids and extended family too (like my family).
I have so many fond memories of family times together. The picnics at Uncle Roy's and Aunt Ruth's……who could claim the spruce tree in back first – the girls or guys. The chili suppers with your family and Frank's family that were usually at our house. The BBQ's at your house and not to forget the picnics in the mountains (do you remember the hole in the rock?), another place that there was a battle to claim first between the girls and the guys. But as families grew, we didn't get together as often…. but, that hasn't kept us from knowing that we are a family and the love is still there and we will always be there for each other.
I know that when Johnny went through the gates of Heaven that not only was he met there by Jesus but a also by family and friends that proceeded him there – all holding out loving arms of welcome on being reunited, I'm sure Mom was right there in the front with Uncle Roy, Aunt Ruth, Frank and Adelle. He's not here with his Earthly family but he's surrounded now by his Heavenly family. Our loss is Heaven's gain. Our loss only temporary because we will be together again!!!! PTL !!!!
Johnny, this isn't goodbye it's simply see you later! I love you and you will live on in my heart and memories for as long as I have on this Earth, then I will look for you in the front of the crowd when I enter those pearly gates.
Mike, Dana and Susan…….hold on to that promise of being together again – a promise that those without the Lord don't have. May you find comfort in that promise during your time of grief.
My love to each of you!!!!!