William "Bill" O. Hicks' Obituary
William ‘Bill’ O. Hicks passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 2, 2016 after a courageous multi-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Bill was born in Dyersburg, TN on November 14, 1932 to Herman and Ester Lee (Cole). Bill moved to Muskegon at the age of four with his family which included his younger brothers, Charles and Jewel (Joe) and sister Mary. Bill attended Nims School, Muskegon High School, Muskegon Community College and Northwestern University. He graduated from high school in 1952; and was a proud member of the championship Muskegon Big Red football team. Bill served as a corporal in the U.S. Army, 2nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels” in Germany. Returning to Muskegon after his discharge, Bill met and married the love of his life, Marian Schuelke, on September 3, 1955. Bill and Marian had a daughter, Barbara and a son, William ‘Bill’ J. Bill joined the Muskegon Police Department on November 2, 1955 as a patrolman. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in July of 1965 and led the Muskegon City Police Traffic Bureau until his retirement in 1987. After retirement, he had his dream job of being near to Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan by working at Harbour Towne Marina. He also worked as a vehicle inspector for the Muskegon County Sheriff Department until the age of 80. Bill’s interests were spending time with his family and friends, and he especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. He loved traveling and being an active part of his grandchildren’s lives. Bill also enjoyed playing the guitar and singing in the Muskegon Barbershop Quartet Club. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Vikings, Linne Lodge #57, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and the Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, Lovell More Lodge. Preceding Bill in death was his wife of 50 years, Marian; his parents; and his younger brothers, Charles and Joe. Survivors include daughter Barb Vukits (Ed Goosmann) of Smithville, MO; son William J. (Bill) Hicks (Deb Hicks) of Norton Shores, sister Mary Grigsby, and sisters-in-law, Helen Hicks (Charles), Theresa (Joe) Hicks, Sally Schuelke (Marcus), Margaret Schuelke (Frank); cousins, Ray and Gerry Grennan, Evelyn Johnson, Ivan and Paula Cole and Richard Coffee; grandchildren, Jillian Vukits (John VanDyck), Lisa Kaye Vukits (Russ Zarras) and Kyle Hicks (Taylor Espinoza). Bill will be sadly missed by Carol Uhor and daughter Rhonda Richards. Other special, lifelong friends include Clieve and Maxine Hendrick, Jim and Roma Forgie, Al Ortquist, and Ollie Olsen. The family would like to thank the staff at Day Springs Assisted Living and Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be 11:00 AM Friday, August 5, 2016 at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., 231 798-1100 with Rev. Fr. Julian Reginato presiding. Visitation will be 5-8PM Thursday and one hour prior to the service. Donations in Bill’s name may be made to Muskegon Big Red Football, Mona Shores Hockey, Vikings Linne Lodge #57 Scholarships or Harbor Hospice Foundation. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of William "Bill" O.?
What’s a lesson you learned from William "Bill" O.?
Share a story where William "Bill" O.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William "Bill" O. you’ll never forget.
How did William "Bill" O. make you smile?
