William Allen Hickman

William “Pete” Hickman, 86, of Kansas City, MO passed away January 14, 2011. Visitation will be from 12:00-1:00 PM Monday, January 17th at McGilley Antioch Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at East Slope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association.

Pete was born July 21, 1924 in Northmoore, MO. Pete was married for 63 years, he retired from ADM after 41 years of service. Pete was a WWII Veteran, while serving he received many awards including; Purple Heart, EAME Campaign medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars and 1 Bronze Arrowhead, American Campaign Medal and Victory Medal. He also received numerous volunteer awards. While in the hospital, Pete had a consultation with a doctor there and this is what the doctor had to say about Pete."William Hickman is an 86-year-old white male, Corporal 17th Airborne Division United States Army who parachuted in the Rhinesane Valley during D-Day and the ensuing forceful surge into Europe and the was assigned to the first army under General George S. Patton and fought with a 30 caliber machine gun in 2 feet of snow at the Battle of the Bulge Bastogne, France and Belgium. This was over Christmas in 1944. It was here that with his 30 caliber machine gun and bursting

artillery (but killed his best friend by his side) after William injected him with his Morphine syringe, that he developed his artillery ears, right greater that left, and his high frequency loss in both ears. When he had enough ammunition, he fired his machine gun so that the magazine could keep his fingers and toes warm- I do believe a true hero." .Pete was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all he met.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Survivors include; his wife, Delores Hickman, 2 daughters, Sharon Cantu and Diana Carpenter, 6 grandchildren, Lemuel Webb, Lisa Bussell, Elliot Cantu, Tim Skinner, Matthew Skinner, Jason Powers, 8 great grandchildren, 1 sister in law, Helen Hickman and numerous nieces and nephews