Obituary of Donald Ray Hickerson
Donald Ray Hickerson (77) of Hurst, TX passed away October 24, 2019 in Fort Worth. He was born August 8, 1942 to James Dee and Clarice Jones Hickerson in Oklahoma City, OK. He graduated from Castleberry High School in Fort Worth in 1960 and joined the Navy, travelling the world on the USS Long Beach during the Cold War. The Navy prepared him for a lifelong career in computer hardware and software design, working for General Electric, Recognition Equipment and BancTec.
In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his seven grandchildren and many grand dogs, repairing antique clocks and watches, tinkering, cooking, reading, solving intricate math problems, raising cactus plants and taking daily walks. His children affectionately nicknamed him “The Dog Father” or “The Baby Whisperer”, depending on the situation. Don loved history and driving vacations, visiting almost every Civil War battle site and National Park. He was a man of few words, but his love language was making gifts for his family, fixing anything electrical and mechanical, cooking fabulous meals and hosting huge family gatherings.
Don’s life will be remembered and celebrated Friday, November 1 at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church of Hurst. Interment will be at DFW National Cemetery on November 1 at 10:15 AM. Services will be conducted by Rev. Philip Rhodes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FUMC Hurst Stephen Ministry or to ASPCA.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife Kathryn (Kit) Hickerson of Hurst; son Jeff Hickerson and wife Lori of Colombia, MO; daughters Tracy Workman and husband Tim of North Richland Hills; Kelly Pence of Bedford; Brandy Smith of San Antonio; sister Dee Ann Hickerson-Ekis and husband Tom of Alvarado; grandchildren Justin Hickerson, Patrick Hickerson and wife Michelle, Collin Hickerson, Brittany Workman, Austin Pence, Tyler Pence, Caroline Smith, Jordan Green and wife Kelsi, Jerilyn Meyer and husband Nick; great-granddaughter Anna Meyer; the Silhavy Family and his beloved nieces and cousins. Don is preceded in death by his parents, brother Michael and son-in-law Eric Pence.
