Michael W. Hicks

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Michael (Mike) Wendell Hicks, of Keller, Texas, a beloved husband, nurturing father, adoring grandfather and great-grandfather. He departed this world on November 27, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, laughter, patience, humility, and kindness that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know and love him. A bright light has gone out, but we can all bask in the afterglow of our memories of this gentle giant.

Mike was born on February 9, 1946, in Franklin, Texas, the son of Oliver Wendell and Reba Hamilton Hicks. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Olivia Ann Hicks. Mike is survived by his wife, Linda, his children, Shawn Michael Hicks from Abilene, TX, and Amy Elizabeth Mazerall (Chris) from Manassas, VA. His grandchildren include Ariel Hicks; Taylor Hicks (Ignacio); Lauren Lindsey (TJ); Elizabeth Roy; Benjamin Roy, and Wesley Mazerall. Great- grands: Christopher Lindsey, Luna Lindsey, and Sophia Hicks. Mike is also survived by his sister, Marianne Peiskee from Bryan, TX, and her children, Craig Mitchell (Christina), Tammy Riley (David), Anthony Peiskee, Jeanne Andreski (Donnie), and Eric Peiskee (Melanie).

Mike met his wife, Linda Dianne Witte, in Victoria, Texas while attending college there, and after admiring her skills on the high school tennis court, decided she was the one! Mike married Linda on January 27, 1968, and they shared over 55 years of love and laughter. Connected by their love of competition and a passion for sports, they enjoyed playing couples league tennis, softball, and bowling for many years.

Professionally, Mike began his career with Central Power & Light Company in 1969 working at the Guadalupe River Power Plant in Victoria, TX. He later transferred to Corpus Christi and retired as an Engineering Technician in 2010. He was a dedicated and hard-working employee who served with integrity and compassion for over 41 years. Mike will be remembered as a mentor and a friend, always willing to lend a helping hand and share his wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure the job was done right.

Mike and Linda were long-time members of First Christian Church where Mike served as Elder and Property Team Chair. He was on the Board of Directors for the Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival which is now in its 40th year. He served behind the scenes building and maintaining sets and props as well as coordinating the Lighting Boards during performances. You could always find Mike with a tool pouch on his belt and a hammer in his hand ready to diffuse a crisis in a calm, good-natured manner so that the show could go on!

Mike was an avid fisherman and found joy and serenity on the bays of Port O'Connor, TX, casting lines and sharing in the thrill of the catch and release. Mike was also a skilled woodworker whose craftsmanship left an indelible mark. His hands brought life to the beauty of wood, creating pieces that reflected not only his talent but also the love he poured into every creation. Mike's wood art was displayed at Kent Ulberg Studios in Corpus Christi, and he was also chosen to receive the President's Choice Award from the Texas Furniture Makers Show in Kerrville TX. Another memorable project involved leading a team of workers from First Christian Church in Corpus Christi to design and craft a beautiful communion table which continues to be shared by the congregation. When asked if he would be willing to start a business and design custom furniture, Mike balked at the idea of making art to others' specifications. However, if people expressed an interest in his original creations, well that was a different story!

A celebration of Mike's life will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, 1:30 PM at First Christian Church, 3401 Santa Fe, Corpus Christi, TX 78411. A committal service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, 2:00 PM at Franklin Cemetery located at 805 Owensville St, Franklin, TX 77856 with the assistance of McCauley Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to multiplesystematrophy.org or First Christian Church.