Bobby Layton Hicks

1940 - 2025

Bobby Layton Hicks, 85, of Fredericksburg, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025.

Born in Junction and raised across small Texas towns, Bobby grew up with an adventurous spirit as his family moved often for his father's work in the oilfields. The family eventually settled in London, Texas (Kimble county), where Bobby had deep family roots and always felt at home.

As a young man, Bobby proudly served in the U.S. Army before beginning a long and successful career with El Paso Natural Gas, where he worked until his retirement. Shortly after leaving the Army, he met his first wife, Rachel Jane Gardner, in Crane, Texas. Together they built a life and a family, welcoming two children.

Bobby lived life to the fullest. He was happiest outdoors - hunting, fishing, walking, jogging, searching for arrowheads, and creating with his hands through painting and woodworking. He also loved a good wager and could never pass up a chance to play poker during family holidays, try his luck with a one-armed bandit in Eagle Pass or the horse races in Ruidosa, New Mexico. But his greatest joy was found on the dance floor. A lifelong fan of country music, Bobby was known for his smooth two-step and graceful waltz - a talent he kept well into his 80s.

He was known for his happy disposition and easy laugh, often whistling or singing as he went about his day. After retiring, he developed a deep interest in genealogy, tracing his family lineage back to early Texas settlers and defenders of the Alamo - a discovery that filled him with pride.

Later in life, Bobby reconnected with Sylvia Lynette, who he had first shared a dance with in his early twenties at the London Dance Hall. They reunited, married in 2016, and were blessed to share nine happy years together in Fredericksburg.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Lynette Hicks; his brother, Billy Jay Hicks; his children, Tim (Tina) Hicks and Melanie (Tony) Skaggs; and his granddaughters, Taylor (Drake) Plunkett and Tori Hicks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Loma Hicks; his first wife, Rachel Jane Gardner Hicks; his sister, Paula Lynn Clements; and his brother, Wayne Hicks.

A celebration of Bobby's life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Schaetter Funeral Home in Fredericksburg.

Family will begin receiving friends at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Good Samaritan Center, or a charity of your choice.

Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at London Cemetery.

Bobby will be remembered for his kind soul and loving spirit.

He danced through life with happiness in his heart, Texas dust on his boots, and laughter that will remain forever in our hearts.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com

Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home