Donald F. "Chief" LICKERT

1934 - 2017

LICKERT, Donald F. "Chief" Age 82, passed away at his home on Monday, May 8, 2017. He was born in Hamilton on December 24, 1934 to Fred and Verna (Reed) Lickert. In 1952, he graduated from Hamilton High School, where he was a member of the "Flip Twisters". He joined the Army on March 5, 1953 and served in Korea as a helicopter mechanic. After being honorably discharged in February 1955, he went to work at Ford Motor Company. In 1961, he was hired by the Hamilton City Fire Department beginning a career that spanned 30 years. This was a pivotal moment in his life as he had found his labor of love. He was a passionate firefighter, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike, and this foundation of respect continued throughout his entire career. This respect was earned by Don's hard work and attention to detail. Don began his ascent up the "fire ladder"; he learned the streets and addresses of the entire city to qualify to drive a fire truck. Don continued to reach upward on the ladder, becoming first a Lieutenant, then a Captain. He then became a deputy chief and found a new passion in arson investigation. On September 22, 1983, Don was appointed as the Fire Chief of the City of Hamilton Fire Department, and continued in this office up to his retirement in 1991. Early in his career, he played an instrumental role in the establishment of the organization that has evolved into the Hamilton Professional Firefighters IAFF, Local 20, serving in various capacities throughout his entire career, including the creation of the Hamilton Firefighters Clubhouse Association. Don was also active in Operation Pumpkin, a union sponsored Halloween charity event that served and delighted school children throughout the City of Hamilton. Don enjoyed travel, golf, fishing and social brotherhood, having been actively involved in the American Legion, AMVETS, VFW, the FOE, the BPOE and the Monkeys Mutual Aid Society. He developed many, many special friendships in these social clubs over the years, as well as with many of his fellow firefighters. Don is survived by his sons, Greg (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Jeff Lickert of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren Stacy and Scott Lickert, of Hamilton; his dearly beloved and faithful friend and brother-in-law, Don Jackson; niece Cindy Hamburg, nephew Doug Jackson and a very, very special and close friend, Ginny Duggins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Verna Lickert and his beloved sister, Mrs. June Jackson in addition to numerous extended family members as well special friends and colleagues. Don lived his life as he saw fit and steadfastly believed in the "One Day At A Time" life philosophy. In lieu of flowers, if desired, please remember Don with charitable gifts to the Hamilton Fire Department Honor Guard, attention Deputy Chief Jeff Shaw, 77 Pershing Avenue Hamilton, Ohio 45011. Visitation will be held at Weigel Funeral Home, 980 NW Washington Blvd Hamilton, Ohio 45013 on Sunday, May 14 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM with American Legion Services at 3:00PM. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, May 15 at 10:00 AM. Interment with military services will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton, Ohio. Online condolences are available at www.weigelfuneralhome.com