Kenneth Raymond "Ken" Hickey

Kenneth "Ken" Raymond Hickey was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 6, 2024 at his lake house in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Ken was born on the southside of Chicago to Lillian and James Hickey on August 8,1939. He was raised by his single mother as his father James died just before his 6th birthday. He had 4 siblings Helen, Gert, Jimmy and Danny. Ken attended St. Columbanus School from kindergarten through 8th grade. He went on to Chicago Vocational School where he received a high school diploma along with his certification in aircraft maintenance. He served in the U.S. Army with 2 years in active service and 6 years in the reserves.
Ken had a long and successful career in aviation that spanned over 40 years. He worked for Capital Airlines, Trans World Airlines (TWA) and American Airlines in the roles of mechanic, systems lead and finally, maintenance manager. He was named the employee of the year for TWA in 1984 for designing a critical piece of maintenance equipment.
Ken met the love of his life Nancy while working at a grocery store in Chicago. They married in September 1963 and raised their family in Dolton and Homer Glen. He was a proud family man who loved to brag about his 4 daughters (Susan, Patty, Kathy & Julie), 3 sons-in-law (Mark, Doug & Frank) and 7 grandchildren (Elizabeth, Chrissy, Grace, Samantha, Jack, Sophie & Michael).
Ken was a man of many hobbies including running, boating, gardening, golfing, bird watching and, of course, fishing. He had a lifelong love of learning as he was an avid reader and music lover. He shared his love of travel with his family using his airline passes to visit many of the national parks and historic sites throughout the country. He worked for his commercial pilot's license and was a co-owner of a small aircraft for many years. He was a die-hard Bears fan and loved watching hours of football every fall. It goes without saying that Ken lived his life to the fullest and he will be missed greatly.
Ken leaves behind his wife Nancy (nee Manella), his children Susan Wyckoff (Mark), Patricia Morrissey (Douglas), Kathleen Hickey & Julie Meyers (Frank), his grandchildren Elizabeth, Christina & Michael Wyckoff, Grace & Sophia Morrissey and Samantha & Jack Meyers, his sister Mary Gertrude Smeltzer, brother-in-law Thomas Manella (Marcia) and 7 nieces & a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents James & Lillian (nee Bond) Hickey, his siblings and in-laws Helen & Perry Johnson, Harry Smeltzer, James & Betty Hickey, Daniel Hickey and Carmen & Ida Manella.
Visitation for Ken will be held on Thursday, July 11th from 4-8 pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home at 1025 W. 55th Street, Countryside, Illinois. The funeral chapel prayers will begin on Friday, July 12th at 9:30 am at Hallowell & James, followed by a 10:00 am funeral mass at St Cletus Church, 600 W. 55th Street, La Grange, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior Project are greatly appreciated. Funeral info: 708-352-6500