Daniel Mark Hickman

Dan is survived by his wife of 50 years, Martha; son, Steve (Gina); daughter, Miranda (Jason); grandchildren Nolan, Grayson, Althea, Lucy and Josie; and siblings Stephen, Marsha, Donnie and Garry. He is also survived by a host of brothers- and sisters-in-law and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Fay, and siblings Barry and Brenda.

Dan, who was born in Washington, D.C., on June 30, 1955, will be remembered for his generosity, storytelling and devotion to his family.

He was an avid reader and thoughtful movie critic. He could spend hours talking about his favorite books and movies, writing top ten lists, and reminiscing about actors and characters he loved.

Dan was not only a serious fan of D.C. sports teams, but also loved other sporting events, including the Masters, college wrestling, women’s softball and the Little League World Series.

His happy place was Disney World, whether it was enjoying a nice resort meal with his wife, taking gorgeous pictures of flower displays, or watching his grandchildren run from ride to ride.

Dan was always willing to help those in need, especially if the cause was education. He donated countless school supplies to classrooms in the Maryland-Delaware area and never hesitated to fill out a teacher’s wish list.

He learned how to cook from his mother when he was young and used that skill to great effect throughout his lifetime. He cooked amazing holiday meals, pored over countless recipe books, and experimented with his own delicious concoctions. Everyone felt lucky to have a Dan-cooked meal, and he was able to pass those skills on to his children.

Dan loved his children and grandchildren so much and devoted much of his life to them, from making sure that they received a good education to spoiling them with trips and treats.

He began his career as a D.C. Government employee in 1973 and retired from D.C. Water as a power engineer in 2011.

A memorial service will be held at DeVol Funeral Home in Gaithersburg, Maryland, on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.