John Rodes Hickerson

John Rodes “Jack” Hickerson passed away on May 1, 2006, after a long and happy life. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Lillie “Jill” Hickerson; his daughter, Linda Hickerson Hofheinz and her husband Fred Hofheinz; his daughter Diana Hickerson; his brother, Fletcher Hickerson; and many nieces and nephews in the Houston area and San Antonio as well as in Michigan and Arkansas.

Born October 2, 1909, in Sedalia, Missouri, Jack grew up in a large and boisterous family in Ferguson, Missouri. As a young man, he moved to California, where he studied psychology and sociology at Chapman College and had a series of odd jobs that included being an extra in the movies. In 1942, Jack moved to Baytown, Texas, joining his brothers Sanford and Fletcher at Humble Oil Refining. He married his sweetheart, Jill, on Valentine’s Day in 1942 before shipping out to fight World War II. Jack served as a Captain in the U.S. Army and was an ordnance officer in the Aleutian Islands.

After his return, Jack and Jill started a family, and he returned to Humble Oil and Refining, where he worked in the laboratory for 33 years. A lover of all sports, he was an avid golfer and a true fan of Houston teams. Jack was a lifetime member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir for 52 years, taught Sunday School, participated in Methodist Men, and was a member of the Homemaker’s Class.

He was a loving husband, a devoted father and a loyal friend who will be remembered for his faith, humor and golf stories.

The family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Wednesday, May 3, 2006 from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. Services will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Baytown, TX Thursday, May 4, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. Honorary pallbearers are: John Bush, Ernest Haney, Warren Carrell, W.C. Woods and members of the Homemakers Class.

In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 304 N. Pruett Street, Baytown, TX 77520

To View online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to

www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521, (281)422-8111.