Patrick Hickman

Patrick Joel "PJ" Hickman, 44, of Kenova, West Virginia, left this world for a better place on Thursday, December 11, 2025. He passed away peacefully at home following a short illness.

PJ was born on July 30, 1981, in Ashland, Kentucky, to Patrick Hickman and Sandra Hickman Melvin. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joel and Lotus Hickman; his maternal grandparents, Henry and Mabel Spears Johnson; step-grandfather William Johnson; aunts and uncles Danny Spears, Hubert Spears, Yvonne Hickman, Jody and Delilah Hickman, and Mike Hickman; and his lifelong friend, Chad Justice.

He is survived by his "Momma," Sandra Melvin of Huntington, West Virginia, and his "Poppa," Patrick Hickman of Cannonsburg, Kentucky. He is also survived by his brothers, Timothy Hickman of Dubai and Isaac Hickman (Tiffany) of Lexington, Kentucky; and his sisters, Melody French (Grant) of San Diego, California, Angela Jenkins (Jason) of Huntington, West Virginia, Sarah Daniels (Ryan) of Cannonsburg, Kentucky, and Julie Hickman of Lexington, Kentucky.

PJ leaves behind his beloved nephews Giuseppe, Matthew, and Levi Hickman; Ethan Eastman; and Hudson French; and his nieces Torrey Jenkins, Alexis Brown, Lindsey Jenkins, Madison Daniels, Kaylee Anders, and Ellie Hickman. He was also blessed with a great-niece and great-nephew, Aylah and Theo Jenkins, whom he adored. He is further survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

PJ attended Boyd County High School and held several jobs as a teenager, with his favorite being his work at the Bellefonte Country Club in Kentucky. At the age of 18, PJ was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a devastating illness that shaped much of his adult life. He spent many years courageously seeking treatments and medications to quiet the voices in his head and striving to live as independently as possible.

Despite his struggles, PJ found joy in simple pleasures. He loved fishing, music, family meals, and get-togethers. The beach was one of his favorite places, where he enjoyed his morning walks and a dip in the ocean. Every Christmas, he delighted in choosing a special Christmas beer. Birthdays were always celebrated at the Roadhouse, where he insisted on the biggest prime rib they had and two big beers.

Many people never truly knew the real PJ-a gentle giant with a kind heart who was deeply loved, especially by his nieces and nephews who grew up alongside him. He had a special bond with the babies-Ethan, Aylah, and Theo-and was always watching out for them. He once told Ethan that when he grew up, they were going to hang out together. He often told his mother, "I'm your bouncing baby boy," especially when he wanted something.

A Celebration of Life will be at 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at Steen Funeral Home CENTRAL AVENUE CHAPE. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until service time.

In lieu of food or flowers, the family asks that donations be made to John Steen Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses or by visiting:https://gofund.me/b30feb3aa.

To share a story or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.steenfuneralhome.com.