Richard Reagan Hicks

1933 - 2001

Dr. Richard Reagan Hicks, Jr., beloved father and husband, went home to eternal rest and peace on January 4, 2001. There he joins his Mother and Father and son, James Clifton, who untimely preceded him in death. Death came in the morning hours at Northeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio where fellow doctors and nurses saw to it that his every need was met with loving care, comfort and attention. He died in good hands and at peace with family and friends at his bedside. And yet even though his health had declined in recent weeks, his passing still leaves those who loved and knew Reagan in a state of shock and sadness. Reagan Hicks was born February 23, 1933, in Luling, Texas, to Richard Reagan and Maurine Hicks. He attended public schools there throughout his formative years, graduating in 1950. His brilliant wit, handsome good looks, athletic abilities, charm and many other significant talents were leading indicators that he was to blaze a trail of achievements above and beyond this small Central Texas oil town. To his credit he disappointed no one. The next stop in his academic life was his beloved Texas A&M University where he was an outstanding student and member of the Corps of Cadets. Many younger cousins and friends remember being awestruck upon seeing Reagan arrive in town proudly wearing his Corps uniform and senior Aggie boots. He graduated with honors in 1954. Throughout college Reagan studied hard to become what he most desired - to be a doctor. After Texas A&M he entered The University of Texas Medical School where he again excelled in his studies and was conferred the title of Doctor of Medicine in 1960. His country then called upon him to honor his earlier commitment to military service while at Texas A&M and that it would be most fitting he should serve three years as Flight Surgeon in the U.S. Army while stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas. By 1963, with all academic and military requirements fulfilled, Reagan had decided that San Antonio provided all the benefits necessary to start practicing medicine and raising a family. There he joined the ongoing practice of Dr. Boen Swinny which at that time was reportedly the oldest allergy practice in the South. With the later addition of Dr. Swinny's son, Boen, Jr., they practiced medicine in the old fashioned way by providing personal, detailed attention to their every patient. Many patients remember fondly Reagan's questions and concerns about their lives, their families, even their pets, and in doing so, he was dispensing a brand of medical care that went straight to the healing of the heart and soul. Everyone felt as though Reagan truly cared about their whole being and he did. He will be remembered by his office staff who were devoted to him personally and in his practice for over 30 years. Reagan possessed the very characteristics that every community needs not only to survive but to prosper. Again, he did not disappoint anyone. Among his many civic and professional duties and responsibilities were those as member of the Bexar County Medical Society, American Medical Association, the Texas Medical Association, the Southwest Allergy Forum, the American College of Allergy, Immunology & Asthma, the American Academy of Allergy, Immunology & Asthma, and the Rotary Club of San Antonio. As testament to his keen insight of medical issues he was highly respected by his many peers who called upon him time and time again for valuable advice and counsel. Among Reagan's hobbies, golf was the love of his idle hours away from his medical practice. He was a longtime member of Oak Hills Country Club and will be sorely missed by his many golfing friends who found it both a delight and honor to be in his company whether on the golf course or in the clubhouse. Perhaps a fitting tribute to Reagan's exuberance for life and his desire to live it to its fullest can be found in Jack London's "Credo".

I would rather that my spark should burn out

In a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom

Of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

The function of man is to live, not to exist.

I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.

I used my time on earth for good and now it is time to say "Goodbye".

Reagan Hicks loved the Lord. He was a Christian and a member of the First United Methodist Church of New Braunfels. He is survived by a loving extended family that include his wife, Anna Lee; his daughter, Kathleen Allison; his son, Richard Reagan "Trey" Hicks III; daughter-in-law, Karla; stepdaughter, Tamara LeAn and husband, Matt Tesauro; stepdaughter, Tonya Lynn and husband, Lex Heffington; and grandson, Cason. He is also survived by his loving brother and sister, James M. "Mack" Hicks, M.D. of Austin, and Barbara Burkhardt of Lake Jackson. He will be greatly and lovingly missed by a multitude of cousins, patients, colleagues and friends.

So radiant was Reagan's love, personality, and caring that all his extended family frequently shared each other's lives and experiences at the many family gatherings. The family wishes to express their gratitude to staff and nurses at the Northeast Baptist Hospital, the Heart and Vascular Institute, Drs. Whitney, Natalino, Dar and Moss for their support and attention to Reagan.

Arrangements with

PORTER LORING

1101 McCULLOUGH - 227-8221