ELKHART - Walter James Hickey, 74, of Elkhart died at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
Born Jan. 31, 1933, in Lincoln, he was the only son of Harold James and Hilda V. Tomlinson Hickey. He attended Elkhart Grade School and graduated from Elkhart High School in 1951.
He started farming, raising and breeding purebred spotted Poland China swine with his father near Elkhart. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953 and served his country in the Korean War located on the 38th parallel near Panmunjom. He returned home to continue farming and raising swine.
He married Gladys Litterly in 1955. He married Janet Constant Knox on June 8, 1976, in Springfield.
During his lifetime, Walter sold and showed his champion swine at Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana state fairs.
He was secretary/treasurer of the Illinois Spotted Swine Association for more than 50 years and served on the national board of directors. He was honored to be named to the Illinois Spotted Breeders Hall of Fame and Illinois Purebred Swine Breeders Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Logan County Farm Bureau, where he served on the board, the Sangamon County Farm Bureau and a 10-year 4-H leader in Sangamon County. Walter served on County Extension Council, Youth Council and various committees. He was a member and former president of the Williamsville FFA Alumni Association.
He was a member of Williamsville United Methodist Church for more than 50 years and later Elkhart United Methodist Church. He was a member of Elkhart American Legion Post 616, VFW Post 755 and Korean War Veterans.
Walter loved farming, raising purebred swine and working with youth. He farmed until being disabled in a farm accident March 6, 1987.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Hickey of Elkhart; son, Reed (Jennifer) Hickey of Ashton; daughter, Janna (Steve) Stewart of Edwardsville; stepson, Scott (Phuntipa) Knox of Edwardsville; stepson, Curtis (Heather) Knox of Madison, Wis.; four grandsons, Kraig Hickey, Connor and Mitchell Stewart and Colin Knox; three granddaughters, Kirsten Hickey, Olivia Knox and Emma Knox; several cousins, including Marion Tomlinson of Springfield, Robert Tomlinson of Springfield, Betty Hickey of Elkhart and Joann Schlitt of Mount Pulaski; and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one cousin, James Hickey.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 8, 2007, at Staab Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 9, 2007, at Elkhart United Methodist Church, where remains will lie in state from 10 to 11 a.m., the Rev. Robert Hake and the Rev. Dayle Eldridge officiating.
Burial will be at Elkhart Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by the Elkhart American Legion. Memorials may be made to Elkhart United Methodist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Doug and Judy Riggert
April 29, 2007
Janet and Family,
We just learned of your loss and are very sorry. Please accept our prayerful condolences.
Doug and Judy Riggert
Charlotte Berglund
April 28, 2007
Janet, I know how hard this must be for you. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melanne Taft Tarr
April 9, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. May your memories provide you with constant comfort.
RUSTY EDWARDS
April 8, 2007
I am so sorry for all of you . walter was a very nice man . and he will be missed may god bless all of you . Rusty Edwards and family .
LaVerne Leathers
April 8, 2007
Janet and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of sorrow.
Elaine Oller Link
April 7, 2007
Janet - Thinking of you.
Larry Richie Auctioneer
April 7, 2007
The knowledge and stories that Walter would tell Lyle Hunsley and myself were worth there weight in Gold and will always be remebered
God Bless and rest in Peace
Leah Guffey
April 6, 2007
I'll never forget the kind words spoken nor the gentle smile and warmth that Walter James posessed. All who knew him were lucky to have been blessed by his wisdom and love. I know my life truly was enriched by his teaching. My thoughts are with the entire family at this difficult time.
Tracy Daily Moore
April 6, 2007
Walter is a ray of sunshine and will be missed by all. I have so many fond memories of him and will always remember his sweet smile and kind words. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
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