Travis Wayne Hicks

Travis Wayne Hicks, age 88, passed peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A man of unrelenting Christian faith, Travis lived a life rooted in service, compassion, and unwavering trust in God's promise. He was a devoted, lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Leesville where he served as a deacon. His faith was not only spoken but lived~-evident in his kindness, integrity and thoughtfulness to others.

Travis was born on July 11, 1937, in Leesville, Louisiana, to James Arleigh Hicks, Sr. and Maggie Rivers Hicks. In his youth, he loved horseback riding through the hills of Peason Ridge near Hornbeck, Louisiana, where he spent many cherished summers with his grandmother, Maw Rivers. He was raised with strong values that instilled a love and importance for family and friends. Fellowship was the center of his world, and he took great joy in time spent together with both immediate and extended family. He not only enjoyed attending, but quite often hosted gatherings where you could find him sharing stories, playing music, and offering guidance and support to each generation with love and wisdom. As a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend he was known for his welcoming smile, gentle humor, positive attitude and for the examples he set through a life well lived.

Those who knew Travis will remember his servant's heart and strong work ethic. After graduating from Leesville High School in the Class of 1956, he attended Louisiana State University before becoming the creator, owner and operator of a multitude of businesses. His entrepreneurial spirit led him from air conditioning and refrigeration to chicken farming to real estate development to food service and more. Many will remember Hicks Refrigeration, Mel's Financial Services, Louisiana Pizza & Poboys, Farmer Brown's Fried Chicken and of course Catfish Junction. When Travis wasn't working, he took great joy in hunting and fishing with friends and family. Through his many businesses and love for the outdoors, he touched many lives.

He was an active member and generously gave his time and leadership through service on numerous local boards and committees in Leesville and Vernon Parish to include the Optimist Club, LHS Alumni Association and a charter member of Museum of West Louisiana.

Travis was predeceased by his parents; daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca "Becky" and Larry Rains; brothers, Arleigh Hicks and Melvin Hicks; and sister, Janice Knapp.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bonita "Bonnie" Rozas Hicks; his daughter Pam Anders and husband Gary, his son Wayne Hicks and wife Betty, his grandchildren Amber Rains Perry and husband Jim, Tyler Anders, Tanner Anders and wife Renay and Ryleigh Hicks, his great-grandchildren Travis and Trent Anders, his siblings Ann Hicks Partington and Sherman Hicks, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services for Travis Wayne Hicks will be held on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Leesville at 3:00 PM, with Pastors Craig Forque and Darin Worthington officiating. A visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Leesville Cemetery under the direction of Jeane's Funeral Service of Leesville. Serving as pallbearers will be Tyler Anders, David Deshotels, Johnnie Deshotels, Brad Hicks, Tommy Neubert and Donald Stone. Honorary pallbearers will be Tanner Anders, Curt Belton, Thomas Bryant, Jeremy Burge, Mike Corley, Elbert Harbin, Joe Sonnier, Bo Stewart, Willy Stewart, Warren Walker, Scott Westerchil and Greg Williams.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to First Baptist Church of Leesville.