Ronald Melvin Hicks

Mr. Ronald Melvin Hicks, age 85 of McHenry, IL, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Journey Care Hospice in Barrington, IL.

The family has entrusted Cone Funeral Home with arrangements.

Funeral Services are scheduled to be conducted on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 5:00pm at the funeral home. Visitation with the family will begin at 12:00 noon until the time of service at 5:00pm and continue for an hour after the service. 

Burial will take place the following day, Friday, February 16, 2024, at 12:00 noon at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville, KY, where he will be buried with his first wife, Paula. Full military honors will take place.

Ronald was born August 17, 1938, in Woolridge, TN to the late Edgar Hicks and the late Imalee Inman Hicks. He is also preceded in death by his first wife of forty-seven years, Paula Hicks and two siblings, Sarah Ward and Lawrence Hicks. 

He is survived by his second wife of thirteen years, Willadean Mills Hicks, who resides in McHenry, IL. He is also survived by his children, Susan Bays (Daniel) of Bowling Green, KY, John Hicks (Colinda) of Columbia, TN, Mary Hicks of Lexington, KY and Stephanie May (Josh) of Spokane, WA; granddaughter, Kellee Overling (Ashley) of Franklin, KY; siblings, Glenna Harris of Alvaton, KY, Vivian Harris (Buster) of Lozano, TX, Carol Scott (Eugene) of Bunker, IN, Nancy Ahearn (James) of Fairfield, CA, and David Hicks (Chris) of Lozano, TX.

Ronald was a retired Master Sergeant for the United States Army. He was a Civil Engineer and worked as an Independent Contractor for many years. Ronald enjoyed going to VFW meetings and spending time with his friends. He loved to go fishing and cooking. Ronald had a passion for fixing things and was known by his family as “Mr. Fix It”. He liked to tinker with old cars, put together model trains, plant and tend to his garden, and paint (especially the time he painted every single brick on his house by hand). Ronald was a family man and loved his family dearly. The world has lost a wonderful man, but his memory will remain in those who loved him.