William "Bill" J. Hicks

Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Waters Funeral Home in Vandalia.

Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at Waters Funeral Home.
Officiating: Rev. Bob Hoehn.
Music: selected favorite songs.
Interment: the Vandalia Cemetery.
Hnorary Pallbearers: Vandalia Firemen.

William "Bill" Joe Hicks passed away at 1:07 p.m. on Monday, July 10, 2017 at the Tri-County Care Center. Bill was a lifelong Vandalia resident and a 1965 Van-Far High School graduate. Shortly after high school, Bill served his country in the U.S. Army and was a Viet Nam veteran.Upon returning home, he attended various tech and trade schools. He worked at Woodward Automotive and for Francis Brenneman in the early 1970s before acquiring his own automotive business, Bill's Automotive. He also worked part-time with the Audrain County Sheriff's Department and the Vandalia Police Department. For several years, Bill was the Superintendent of Utilities for the city of Vandalia. He then became self-employed with his own electrician business, Hick's Electric. Bill became a member of Vandalia Fire & Rescue in 1976 and served as Fire Chief from 1998 until 2005. He was also a first responder for many years. Bill remained with the Fire Department until his illness prevented him from serving any longer. He served as president of the Vandalia Cemetery Association until 2016. Bill had a very giving spirit and was a hero through his service to his country, his community and his family. He was an active member of the Spencer Creek Baptist Church.

Born: August 11, 1947 in Mexico, the son of Houston Welch and Ina Mae (Nation) Hicks.

Married: Linda Anderson on October 9, 1971 in Vandalia.

Survivors include: wife, Linda of Vandalia; one son, Mark and wife, Jill Hicks of Hannibal; one daughter, Melissa and husband, Tom Culwell of Vandalia; four grandchildren: Maggie and Sophie Hicks of Hannibal; Riley and Kaylen Culwell of Vandalia; brother-in-law, Larry Anderson of Vandalia.

Preceded in death by: parents; one brother, Dick Hicks.

Memorials are encouraged to St. Jude's Hospital