Donald Lee Hicks

DONALD “RED” LEE HICKS, 74, of Sparta, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home at 5:45 pm, Sunday, August 13, 2023, with the love of his family beside him and God’s arms around him. He was born to the late Clarence and Alice (nee Kern) Hicks on April Fool’s Day (April 1st) in 1949 in Anna, Illinois. Don proudly served as a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force from 1970-76. Don married the love of his life, Joyce Ann Biermann, on May 31, 1978 in Percy, Illinois; she preceded him in death on July 13, 2017. They met at Spartan Printing in Sparta, where Don worked for 29 years. He continued in the printing industry for 18 years at Universal Printing in St. Louis, Missouri. Don was also the head baker for Mr. Ripples Lunch Box Food Truck and a server for Smokey Joe’s Cook Team. His secret ingredient was love. Don loved family events, flea markets, and car shows. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage and working on bicycles. He was a collector of Pez dispensers and lava lamps and loved finding a great bargain. He watched every single St. Louis Cardinals game. Don spent many hours solving all the world problems with his brother-in-law. You would find him feeding the squirrels and hummingbirds and sitting in his gazebo. He was a fan of JOY FM 99.1 Radio Station. He was a Jeeper at heart – “If the water wasn’t up to the head lights, you weren’t deep enough.” Don was a jack of all trades and was willing to help anyone with his many talents at anytime. He was a great friend and the most humble man with the biggest heart. You could call him anytime but don’t call him late for dinner. Most of all Don just loved helping others and his memory will live on in the hearts of many people. Survivors: 3 Children: Cindy (Brad Ehlers) Hicks Red Bud, IL Nathan (Alisha) Hicks Perryville, MO Brock (Stacie) Hicks Sparta, IL 6 Grandchildren: Jacob and Jenna Reeves Brooke Frazer Natalie, Olivia, and Judah Hicks Donald is reunited in Heaven with his parents, his beloved wife – Joyce, his grandson – Lazarus Hicks and his nephew – Bill “Joey” Jurden, Jr. Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Thursday, August 17, 2023 Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois Officiating: Rev. Tony Glaser Interment: Pleasant Ridge Cemetery Rockwood, Illinois Visitation: Thursday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois Instead of flowers or donations, it was Don’s wishes for you to give someone a smile, lend a helping hand, or JOY the next person in line by paying it forward. Above all, volunteer your time, it’s the most valuable asset we have.