Don Hickman

Don Hickman, 74, of Springfield, passed away at 3:49 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at St. John's Hospital. Don was born September 1, 1937 in Trenton, TN, the son of Reese and Janie Maude Hickman. He married Betty Baltz on January 5, 1962 in Rutherford, TN. Don proudly served his country in the Tennessee Army National Guard. He began his journalism career working with the Dixie Network in Tennessee in 1956. He earned a position as the evening news anchor for the network two years later. He then moved to Memphis where he worked for WMC-TV covering stories such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination and the "James Meredith Enrollment" at the University of Mississippi. After winning the coveted "Journalist of the Year Award," he became a correspondent for NBC News in Chicago. He also worked as a reporter and newscaster for KSTP in Minneapolis. Don is best known for his 29 years as a newscaster at WICS in Springfield where he produced several projects earning him many awards, including a national Emmy nomination for his "Living with AIDS" documentary. In 2001, he earned an honorary doctorate degree from MacMurray College for Public Service. In 2004, he co-founded Springfield Scene Magazine, a publication focusing on local charities and community events. Don took great pride in his annual charity golf outings, which raised thousands of dollars for various organizations throughout central Illinois. Don enjoyed golfing, reading and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Betty of Springfield; sons, Barry (wife, Christina) of Springfield and Todd (wife, Dawn) of Edmond, OK; grandchildren, Stephanie, Hallie, Ryan, Maggie, Hunter and Jackson; sister, Pam Flowers of Rutherford, TN; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham, with Rev. John Nolan officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Don Hickman Memorial Fund, c/o Town and Country Bank, 1925 S. MacArthur, Springfield, IL 62704.