Robert L. Hickman's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Robert L. Hickman, age 77 of Charleston, IL and formerly of Terre Haute, IN, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 in the comforting presence of his loving family. Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Bob's life to be held Saturday, June 4, 2016 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the home of Bob and Kris Hickman, 8585 Country Club Road in Charleston. Private Graveside Services and burial will be held at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Bob Hickman Memorial Fund. Gifts may be given to the family or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Bob was born June 2, 1938 in Terre Haute, to the late Fred A. and Mildred (Terrell) Hickman, Sr. He married Carol Jacquelyn Whalen and from that marriage are two children left to cherish his memory, Bob Hickman, Jr. and wife Kris, and Shelly Wolff and husband Carl, all of Charleston. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Jacquelyn (Jared) Mathey, Jennifer Hickman, Jaylyn Nassiri and fiance Adam Skinner, Janelle (Shawn) Ramsey, Ashley (Chris) Curry and Rob (Shannon) Wolff; six great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Natalie Caputo. In addition to his parents Bob was preceded in death by two brothers, Fred A. Hickman, Jr. and Jack Hickman. Bob was a graduate of Gerstmeyer High School in Terre Haute where he excelled as a basketball player, earning All Star honors including his recent induction to the Indiana Basketball High School All Stars Hall of Fame. He went on to play basketball at the collegiate level for the Kansas University Jayhawks, and during his career played with such basketball greats as Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson. Bob was a sales manager for Bob McClellan Chrysler Plymouth and Doan and Decker Ford in Terre Haute before establishing Hickman Ford in Charleston and later Hickman Chevrolet and Buick in Salem, IL. Bob's political aspirations were realized through his term as Mayor of Charleston, Assistant Secretary of State to Jim Edgar, and Executive Director of the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. Bob's community involvement and dedication to Charleston was apparent through many avenues of service. He not only served as mayor but was a member and President of the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce and Charleston Country Club; was involved in service organizations such as the Charleston Jaycees; and was a member of clubs such as the Charleston Elks B.P.O.E. #623 and the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388. Bob also honorably served his country as a United States Marine. Bob enjoyed hobbies such as hunting and fishing and sharing stories of his glory days playing basketball. His love for Bob and Shelly and their families was unconditional and life was at its best when in the presence of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who he adored. SERVICES Celebration of Life Saturday, June 04, 2016 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Home of Bob and Kris Hickman 8585 Country Club Road Charleston, Illinois 61920
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