Roger Lee Hicks Sr.

Roger often shared vivid stories of his boyhood in Ohio, growing up in a tight-knit family with his brothers and sisters. Despite the normal sibling rivalries and occasional strife, they were his best and most treasured friends. He fondly recounted adventures stomping around Whitehall and Bexley, raising a little hell with his buddies as they criss-crossed into West Virginia. At age 15 or 16, he worked at a local pizzeria, an experience that filled countless evenings with laughter and memorable tales. He also loved talking about his prized 1955 Chevrolet with its souped-up 283 engine—a car that ignited a lifelong passion for hot rods in both of his sons, an interest they still enjoy to this day. Those early years in Ohio remained some of his most cherished memories, full of nostalgia, mischief, and unbreakable bonds. He frequently spoke of those folks, even if time, distance and mortality had taken their toll.

Roger proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970. Stationed at Ninh Hòa, he worked as a helicopter mechanic with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company, known as the "Blue Stars," part of the 1st Aviation Brigade. He remained deeply dedicated to the memory of those who served alongside him in Vietnam and carried strong, lifelong support for fellow veterans—those who came before him and those who followed. After his active-duty tour, he continued serving in the Texas Army National Guard as a vehicle technician until 1978.

Following his military service, Roger pursued education at Texas State Technical Institute while working in Temple, Texas. He later built a long and dedicated career as a petrochemical analyst with ARCO, Lyondell, and ITT Caleb Brett. He had a strong affinity for organic chemistry and often shared that passion with his sons, frequently explaining how the team sometimes had only hours to run samples and verify the quality of products heading out the door. He was just thrilled to explain the mechanics of organic chemistry and how it works with anyone who wanted to know.

Roger had a great sense of adventure and loved traveling across the United States with his wife, sons, and grandkids whenever time and opportunity would converge. Together, Roger and Priscilla visited Niagara Falls on both the U.S. and Canadian sides, the Ozarks, Petit Jean in Arkansas, Georgia, and back home to Ohio, along with many other places. He was an avid firearms sportsman who competed in several state-level events in the early and mid-1980s. His desire to improve his aim remained strong throughout his life, and he happily shared this favorite pastime with numerous friends and family members, often turning range days into opportunities for camaraderie and friendly competition. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and riding his bicycle. Above all, he cherished time with family—sharing stories, dad jokes that spanned more than 50 years, and keeping things light. He often reminded his sons that “life is too short to be or stay upset.” Quick with a joke and quick to smile at others’ laughter, he had a serious side too: a principled man who stood firmly for what he believed in, especially when it came to respect for the American flag, loyalty to friends, and expecting others to behave with decency. He didn’t mince words when the situation called for it, but you always knew exactly where he stood.

He was a devoted animal lover who cared for his indoor “fur babies” as well as an extended outdoor family of raccoons, possums, birds, squirrels, and more—his neighbors sometimes joked that his yard looked like a scene from Wild Kingdom.

Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife and soulmate of 35 years, Priscilla “Prissie” Marie Milligan Hicks; his parents, Wayne Harrison Hicks and Frances Gertrude Hicks; his brother Harold Hicks; and his stepdaughter Sandy Ziegler.

He is survived by his sons, Roger L. Hicks, Jr. of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Jeffrey S. Hicks (Carrie) of Tuscola, Texas; grandchildren Brittany Mueller and Vance Mueller of Houston, Texas; great-grandchildren Violet Ruiz, Olivia Ruiz, Camille Rose Mueller and Wade Jacob Mueller; sisters Pam Gibson and Patty Williamson of Columbus, Ohio; brothers Larry Hicks and Leonard Hicks; numerous nieces and nephews, other extended family members, and a legion of friends he made throughout the years.

He will also be greatly missed by his beautiful house fur babies.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. Graveside services will follow immediately at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Roger’s memory to All Community Animal Hospital, 24021 US-59, Porter, Texas 77365, or to any local animal support organization.

Please use the following link for the livestream of the Funeral Service for Roger Lee Hicks Sr.

https://vimeo.com/event/5858167