Robert Francis Hicks

Bob Hicks passed away on November 21, 2024, after a 4-year ordeal following a stroke that was originally misdiagnosed.

Robert Francis Hicks was born on July 17, 1937, in Flint, MI to Father William Hicks and Mother Helen (Gram) Hicks.

He married Frances Hicks on February 4, 1961, and together they raised four children.  As a husband he always showed his love and affection, often while mom was trying to cook.

As a dad he took care of his family and made sure we had a roof over our heads, food on the table and clothes on our back; he tried to put KEDS (KMart shoes) on our feet, but mom always took them back.  He shared his knowledge with us, pushed us to be our best and made us hush when a football game was on.  He showed us love through his strong work ethic and devotion, molding us into the strong individuals we are today.

As a grandfather he forgot most of the rules he made us kids abide by and let his 4 grandchildren run rampant and get into whatever they wanted, sharing his love with a strong hug and answering all their questions patiently!

Bob was a Christian and did his best to lead his family to God.  He was a long-time member of Central Baptist Church in Flint, where he led the choir for many years, and had attended various churches in Davison in recent years.

Bob could always be found tinkering around the house and rarely sat down except for when a sporting event was on the “boob tube”.  He always kept the house and his lawn in tip top shape, often solving issues around the house with his intellect and creativity.  He played numerous sports over the years and was still on the tennis court the summer before the stroke.

He worked as a Machine Repairman for the AC Spark Plug division of General Motors for over 30 years, retiring on February 26, 1993.  He received numerous service awards for thinking outside the box to get the machinery back in service and was often called upon to solve the most difficult issues.

He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force and had a passion for aviation his entire life.

Many thanks to the team at Living Waters at Buell Lake, as well as Heart to Heart hospice and his nurse Danielle for helping dad live and die with dignity. 

Bob is survived by daughter Lora Hicks-Thorsby, son Rod Hicks and son Stacey (Dennis) Hicks, Grandchildren Malary Thorsby, McKenzie, Mason & Maxwell Hicks, and nephew Sterling Hicks. 

 He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Fran Hicks, his father, mother, oldest child Scott Hicks, son-in-law Brad Thorsby, brother Jim Hicks, as well as many family members and friends. 

A memorial service will be announced after the holidays .Please share your condolences at www.hansenfuneralhome.net