Wendell R Hickman

Wendell Ralph Hickman, age 69, of Florence, Kentucky passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from health complications at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati.

Wendell was born on February 24, 1954 in Stearns, Kentucky to Orangie Louise (Smith) Hickman and James Dallas Hickman. He is the oldest of three children.  Wendell went to high school at William Henry High School. He joined the Marine Corps and proudly served for four years. After serving his country, Wendell started his career as a tool and die maker. Once he became a Journeyman he worked for several companies and eventually opened his own machine shop, Tool and Die Technology.

After retirement, Wendell joined the American Legion and really dove into being around and helping fellow veterans. He has held many roles at the post including Chaplain, Honor Guard and Commander. He served as Chaplain for seven years and the Commander of Post 4 in Florence for six years. He loved being a member of the Honor Guard above all.

Wendell really loved music playing both guitar and bass guitar. He had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting and just being outside. He was also into anything with wheels and owned several nice cars, bikes and Jeeps at different points.

Wendell’s greatest accomplishments by far were what gave him his titles which included husband, brother, uncle, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend.

Wendell is preceded in death by his son Mark Anthony “Tony” Hickman, mother Orangie Hickman and his father Dallas Hickman. Survivors include his loving wife of 30 years Bonnie Hickman, sons Scott (Tonya) Hickman, Joe (Amy) Hickman and Mike (Courtney) Hickman, sisters Donna (Dan) Bunnell and Pam (Mark) Unwin, nine grandkids Cody Hickman, Dylan (Kayla) Hickman, Hailey Hickman, Karlie Hickman, Ashlee Hickman, Jacob Hickman, Brady Hickman, Kinley Hickman and Avery Hickman and most recently two great-grandchildren Eila Mae Hickman and Paxton Hunter Aubrey.

Wendell was very loved and will be missed by all that knew him. He enjoyed life and lived by his own drum beat for sure. We look forward to seeing him later and rejoicing together again.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial contributions be directed to Tunnel To Towers. This organization was very dear to Wendell’s heart and would make a dramatic impact in the lives of our wounded veterans.