Robert Lewis Hickman

Robert Lewis Hickman, 85, of Spencer, W.Va., passed away peacefully Friday, March 27, 2026, at Miletree Center, Spencer, surrounded by his family and friends, after an extended illness.

He was born February 24, 1941, at Keyger (near Billings), W.Va., the son of the late William Thompson and Ollie Mae Chapman Hickman.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer Sue Lawrence in 2023; siblings, Betty Jane Watson, Roger William Hickman, Bernard Eugene Hickman and Patricia Darlene Hickman; nieces, Leah Nicole Hickman and Michelle Ann Gates.

Survivors include his wife of 57+ years, Sue Watson Hickman, whom he married June 15, 1968 at Spencer; son and daughter-in-law, Robert Brian and Barbara Hickman of Spencer; son-in-law, Robert Dale Lawrence of Billings; grandson, Logan Brian Hickman also of Spencer; siblings, Roberta Ann Sacchi of Parkersburg, W.Va., Ronald Lee Hickman of Point Pleasant, W.Va. and Mary Frances Gandee also of Point Pleasant; numerous nieces and nephews.

Robert was a 1960 graduate of the former Spencer High School.

From an early age, he was a dedicated worker. He helped his father with cattle on the former McIntosh Farm, Spencer. He continued farming for himself until the fall of 2002. He had worked six years for the former Monarch Rubber, now Armacell; Robert had also worked for Hank Pence in the oil fields and the Southern States Farm Co-operative, Spencer.

He was a proud member of the United Steel Worker’s Union, Local 5668, and a retired 33 1/2-year employee of Kaiser Aluminum,  Ravenswood, W.Va.

Robert was a proud Army (1st Cavalry) veteran of the Vietnam War and an active member of the American Legion Post 21, Spencer.

Among his favorite pastimes were WVU football, Spencer Yellowjackets and Roane County Raiders sports; coffee and visiting with friends at the Spencer McDonalds; and plowing his neighbor’s gardens. He was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Scaffold Run.”

The family appreciates the love and care given Robert by Adoration Hospice and Roane General Hospital.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April1 at John H. Taylor Funeral Home, Spencer, with Pastor Justin Simmons and Ralph Carpenter officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the WV Army National Guard Honor Guard and American Legion Post 21 at Hickman Family Cemetery, Scaffold Run, Spencer.

The family will receive visitors two hours prior to the funeral service.

Condolences may be shared at www.taylorfuneralhomeinc.com