Eric Robert Hickman

On Sunday April 11, 2021, Eric Robert Hickman was called home by our lord and received his angel wings. Eric was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Eric was born to Ronald and Carol Hickman on July 25, 1973 in Merced California. He attended Weaver elementary/middle school and was a graduate of Merced High School class of 1991. Eric married Tiffany Downey in 2000 and together they had 3 children Joshua, Alexis, and Jacob. Eric was a kind and loving father. He adored his children and was active in their lives, supporting everything they did. He was always the first to help and volunteer. He spent many seasons coaching little league baseball.

As the kids grew, he could be found cooking for the Golden Valley High School football games, working the yearly GVHS fireworks booth, and driving carloads of kids to practices and games. He was always in the stands cheering the loudest for Joshua who played football, baseball and wresting and Alexis who was a cheerleader. He was so immensely proud of his children’s accomplishments.

Eric was equally passionate about his community, volunteering to help wherever and whenever he could. He was an announcer at the Merced speedway on Saturday nights for many years. He was a member of the Bible Christian Church of LeGrand and found great joy from attending and celebrating life with his fellow brethren. Eric was a lifelong tried and true fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. He had a passion for bowling and was exceptionally good. He bowled at both Century Bowl in Merced and Bellevue bowl where he bowled a perfect 300.

Eric leaves by his father Ronald Hickman of Merced, his children Joshua Hickman, and Alexis Hickman of Merced. He is also survived by his brothers David Hickman (Corena) of Ceres California, and Brian Hickman of Merced. He also is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Eric was proceeded in death by his grandparents Quinn and Mary Hazel Young and Byron and Bee Collier. His mother Carol Diane Hickman and his son Jacob Hickman.

Eric was a kind and gentle soul who loved life, his family, his community, and god. Words cannot begin to describe how very much he will be missed by his family and friends. He loved so deeply that he will never be far from our thoughts and hearts. He is deeply embedded in those who he loved and who loved him in return. To honor his memory and life please remember to be kind and live each day to the fullest. Loved ones and friends can also donate to the American cancer society or the Golden Valley High School athletic department.

Viewing will be Wednesday April 21, 2021 from 3pm to 7pm and services to celebrate Erics life on Thursday April 22, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Stratford and Evans funeral home.