Dennis G. "Denny" Hickman

1960 - 2025

Dennis G. "Denny" Hickman, 65, of Emlenton, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior while in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family early Thursday morning, Nov. 27, 2025, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Though his time on earth feels far too short, Denny lived a life overflowing with family, faith, purpose and adventure - one marked by hard work, deep love and the joy of God's creation.
Born Sept. 14, 1960, in Oil City, Dennis was the son of Larry and Gayle Ritts Hickman. Denny grew up rooted in the outdoors and in the values that shaped his character for a lifetime. As a young boy, he was an enthusiastic Boy Scout and an avid competitor with a lifelong attitude of "it's a lot more fun to win." He graduated from Cranberry High School in 1978, where he wrestled, played baseball and was part of the National Championship Marine Corps Physical Fitness team. He later attended Penn State Behrend, continuing what would become a lifelong devotion to Penn State athletics.
On Oct. 30, 1982, Denny married the love of his life, Jane Barber, at the Good Hope Lutheran Church in Oil City, and together they built a family that was his greatest earthly blessing. He was a proud father and father-in-law of four children and their spouses, Jake and Kendall Hickman, of Emlenton, Jessica and Joshua Fresch, of Pittsburgh, Annie and Dustin Swartfager, of Knox, and newly married Melissa and Keith Hughes, of Pittsburgh. Denny adored his grandchildren, Eli, Henry and Derek Hickman, Eleanore and Presley Fresch and Bryce, Owen, Tucker, Garrett and sweet baby Andrew Swartfager, who preceded him into heaven. Time spent with his kids and grandkids - whether hunting, fishing, working on projects, watching ball games or simply going on rides in the buggy - were among his happiest moments.
Denny is survived by his wife Jane; his mother, Gayle (Ritts) Hickman; his sister, Amy Hickman; and brother-in-law, Pat Best. He is also survived by his extended Barber family: Bob and Emily Barber, of West Palm Beach, Fla.; Tom and Maryl Barber, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; Sam Barber, of Venice, Fla.; and Mike Barber, of Erie; along with numerous nieces and nephews; and his unofficial "fifth child," Zach Muhl.
He was welcomed into eternity by his father, Larry Hickman; mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Marjorie Barber; sister, Lauren (Hickman) Best; sisters-in-law, Marie Barber and Lois Barber; his grandson, Andrew Swartfager; and his paternal and maternal grandparents, Harry and Eleanore (Vorous) Hickman and Merl and Elva (Murray) Ritts.
A third-generation steward of the family business, Denny devoted his life to the lumber and hardwood industry. A 1980 graduate of National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) in Memphis, he returned home to Hickman Lumber and helped expand the company through hard work, innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality. He established the company's dry kilns and served the industry in leadership roles, being on the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association Board (2006 to 2012) and the Allegheny Hardwoods Utilization Group Board (2000 to present). He was also a longtime member of the National Wood Flooring Association.
In 2000, guided by a vision to honor the beauty of the region's timber, Denny founded Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring (AMHF). Under his leadership, the company became known nationwide for its craftsmanship and integrity. His expertise brought AMHF into high-profile projects - including Trump Tower, the Obama Presidential Center, the PSU Palmer Museum of Art and numerous museums and celebrity homes. Denny earned national respect in the industry and was featured on HGTV's "This Old House" and "Restored by the Fords," WQED's "Family Tree" and multiple industry documentaries. His professional legacy is one built on excellence, relationships and a reputation that will endure.
Outside of work, Denny found joy and peace in the outdoors. He was an accomplished and passionate hunter with walls full of trophies from across North America. A member of The Boone and Crockett Club and the National Rifle Association, he hunted everything from local whitetail deer to Alaska's moose, grizzlies and Dall sheep. For many years, he traveled to Montana to hunt mule deer with friends, as well as recently with his son and sons-in-law. He has also hunted elk, mountain lion, rattlesnakes and wild boar. Turkey hunting kept him humble and he loved every minute of it. He also cherished fishing trips to Rockland, Chautauqua and Florida.
Denny had a lifelong love of baseball - one that began in high school and continued through coaching various teams, including all his children. He treasured his years at Pirates Fantasy Camp despite his "love-hate relationship" with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also loved Penn State football and wrestling and he never missed a chance to tailgate with family and friends. Every winter he hosted an "Annie Oakley" clay pigeon shoot, which was one of his favorite days of the year.
Above all, Denny's life was defined by faith, family and the belief that blessings are meant to be shared. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, gratitude, leadership and love - a legacy that will continue to shape the generations that follow him.
Though his earthly journey has ended, we take comfort knowing he has been welcomed into his eternal home, healed and whole, and that we will be reunited with him again in God's perfect time.
HICKMAN - Friends and family of Dennis G. "Denny" Hickman, who died Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, will be received from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at HILE FUNERAL HOME, 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton.
Friends will also be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at Emlenton United Methodist Church, 1303 Kerr Ave., Emlenton. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Gene Lenk, church pastor, officiating.
In honor of Denny's deep love for the outdoors, his commitment to responsible resource stewardship and his generations-long dedication to the family lumber business, memorial contributions may be made to the Denny Hickman - Get Outside and Do Stuff Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund will provide financial assistance to students from Venango and Clarion counties pursuing post-secondary education in timber harvesting, forestry and forest management, ensuring his legacy of practical, outdoor professionalism endures.
To make a contribution, please visit https://bbcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list or mail to Bridge Builders Community Foundation, Denny Hickman Scholarship Fund, 1322 Elk St., Franklin, PA 16323. Also donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club Along the Allegheny, P.O. Box 2, Emlenton, PA 16373 or The Emlenton Fire Department, P.O. Box 371, Emlenton, PA 16373.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.