Arthur Riley Hickle

December 28, 1932 – October 10, 2011

On Monday, October 10, 2011, Arthur Riley Hickle, '76, passed from this life surrounded by family at his home in Bryan, Texas. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1515 South College in Bryan. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm with the Reverend Jonathon Poe officiating.

Arthur was born on December 28, 1932 in Seattle, Washington. The oldest of eight children, Arthur was raised in a Marine Corps family. Following the family tradition, he enlisted in the Marines on his 17th birthday. His twenty-seven year Marine Corps career included two wars: Korea and Vietnam. He was a decorated veteran and served three tours as a Naval Aviator in Vietnam, the last as Squadron commander of VMA 311. He rose from the rank of Private to his permanent retired rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Arthur's last duty station was with the NROTC unit at Texas A&M in 1974. He and Judy fell in love with the Bryan-College Station area and decided this was where they would make their home. His retirement from the Marine Corps saw him direct his energies towards creating a nationally recognized photography studio, turning what was a hobby into a well-respected professional enterprise.

Arthur was a major influence on many who went on to achieve success and recognition in a variety of professions. His sense of humor was a daily inspiration to those he touched. He had numerous passions in life including flying, car racing, golf, reading, and Texas A&M University. He will be sorely missed by his loving family, friends, brothers in arms and golfing buddies.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Elizabeth; his sister, Diana Dollard; and his granddaughter, Katherine.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy; his son, Scott and wife, Sharon Hickle, of Bryan; daughters, Kathy Vondergoltz of College Station, Amy and husband Bob Bellard, of Bryan, Jennifer and husband, Jon Carpenter, of College Station, and Sara and husband, Jim Boston, of Houston. Arthur was blessed with thirteen wonderful grandchildren, Lindsay and Christopher Troutman, Libby and Hendrik Schoeman, Danny and Giada Hickle, Bryan and Betsy Brown, Jacki and Jessi Bellard, Zach and Ryan Graybill, Jon and Cody Carpenter, and Janna, Jamie and Riley Boston. To add to his blessings are eleven great-grandchildren. Other survivors include sisters, Sharon Wright, Linda Tegarden, Stephanie Ferguson, Valerie Gallic, and brothers, Dennis Hickle and Michael Hickle.

The family would like to thank Dr. Tom Weber and Dr. Thomas Ginn for their loving care and support. Also special thanks to the staff at American Homepatient.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to the Texas A&M Foundation, in support of the Lt. Col. Arthur R. Hickle '76, USMC (Ret.) Sul Ross Scholarship, Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840.

Condolences may be left at memorialfuneralchapelbryan.com


This obituary was originally published in The Bryan-College Station Eagle.