Thomas Lee Hickey (Mashkawizi Noodin) left this world and was reunited with his Creator on March 20, 2024, after a brief bout with ALS. Tom, born and raised in Indianapolis, was preceded in death by his loving parents, Suzanne Stuart and Richard Lee Hickey and his beloved son Thaddaeus Lee Hudson. He is survived by his daughter Kara Kristine Hickey and her fiancé Alan Green, brothers Michael, Daniel and Matthew, nephews Ryan, Steven, and Joseph, niece Kristin, grandchildren Luke Elias, Leila Angela and Ameerah Lee, and his best friends.
Tom was an outstanding athlete in four major sports-football, basketball, shot put and baseball while attending Indianapolis Arsenal Tech and received a multitude of scholarships ultimately deciding upon the University of Louisville Football Program where he had a prolific career. In later life, his proudest moments were watching his grandson Luke, exceeding all expectations on the football team at Furman University, where he received All-Southern Conference first team accolades in 2022. His greatest wish was to see Luke play this year, where luckily he will have a front row seat!! Football conversations with Tom, Luke and Scott should have been recorded!! Sprinkled with humor, sarcasm and outstanding knowledge of the game, they were a hoot!
Tom was an accomplished musician and flautist, and made the most exquisite musical instruments and jewelry. His talent was known nationwide. He also embraced his indigenous American roots with love and vigor and nurtured and cultivated that bond throughout his life.
Tom would be the first one to tell you about mistakes he made in his life but continuously strived to right his wrongs by spreading love and peace to all. He made his amends, accepted his fate with dignity and grace and was excited to meet our Creator.
There will be a service honoring Tom’s wild and crazy life Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 706 W Jefferson St, LaGrange, KY from 11am-2pm. Tom asked that donations in his memory be made to the University of Louisville Athletic Department and the Furman University Football Program and the Healing Place.
