William W. Hicks

Okemos, Michigan

Age 88, of Okemos, died Sunday, December 12, 2010. Born October 11, 1922 in Lansing, Michigan to William W. and Ethel (Clark) Hicks, Bill graduated from East Lansing High School in 1940 and joined Hicks Brothers Real Estate, which was founded in 1926 by his father William and uncle Howard Hicks. Prior to entering the service in 1943, he married Lucille Funk, also of East Lansing. Bill proudly served his country during World War II with the 1787th Army Engineers in Burma and India, assisting in the construction of the Ledo Road, a vital supply route to China.

Upon his Honorable Discharge from the Army, he became active in commercial real estate and was instrumental in the development of the first municipal parking lots in East Lansing as well as the Trowbridge Road Shopping Center, the University Inn, and the Lucon Theater block (now the Student Book Store). He also was involved as a developer and partner in the Meridian Mall, Hiawatha Park Subdivision, Northwind Property Group, CPG Center, Meridian Investors, Okemos Property Group, and the University Commerce Park.

In addition to his business activities, he was a volunteer fireman and medic, first in East Lansing and later in Meridian Township. One of his greatest joys as a fireman was helping to provide toys and warm clothing at the holidays for children who would otherwise have gone without.

He also served his community as Chairman of the first East Lansing Kiwanis Barbeque, the Parkwood YMCA Building Committee, the Lake Michigan Task Force, CrimeStoppers, The American Legion, the Grand Traverse Area Sportsfishing Association, and Christ United Methodist Church. Bill was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman who lived life to its fullest and absolutely insisted that those around him do the same.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Mary, and brother Jack. He is survived by his wife Lucille; sons William S. (Amelia) and Brian L. (Miriam); grandchildren, James (Shawn) Hicks, Karen Hicks Taylor (Gavin), Kristina Hicks, and great grandchildren Jonathan Hicks (serving in the Navy), and Fiona, Silas and Drake Taylor.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family encourages donations in honor of William W. Hicks be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, P.O. Box 96391, Washington DC 20090-6391 (www.alzfdn.org). On line condolences may be made to www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com.