Eugene Clarence "Gene" Hicks

1937 - 2024

Eugene Clarence "Gene" Hicks November 27, 1937 - March 30, 2024 Eugene Clarence "Gene" Hicks was born in Wapato, WA on November 27, 1937. In 1947, he moved to Roslyn with mom and dad, Esther and Talbert Wiggins. He met his future wife, Linda LaBa in Roslyn Grade School and they were friends forever after.

Gene graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1957. He had many jobs during and after high school, including working at the Roslyn Theatre, for Margaret Carpenter in her home in Cle Elum, baling hay and picking fruit, and working for the Forest Service fighting fires and providing relief for the fully-manned lookout on Peoh Point. In March of 1958, he and his childhood buddies Larry Polley, Terry Bland, and John Lobb all joined the US Army together. Gene was stationed at Ft. Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma until his discharge in March of 1960. Tired of being apart, Gene and Linda were married in the chapel at Ft. Sill on July 31, 1959.

Their son, Richard "Rich" Eugene Hicks was born August 2, 1960 and the family made their home in Renton where Gene retired from Boeing after 31 years, at age 55, fulfilling his dream to retire early. Gene and Linda enjoyed their cabin at Lake Cushman, traveling south in their RV for winters in Needles, California where they made many long-lasting friends, and enjoying many other trips and activities too numerous to mention. One joy they shared was golf and golfing together was always great fun.

Gene died March 30, 2024, unable to make it to their 65th wedding anniversary in July. He is survived by his wife, Linda and their son Rich (Kathi a true daughter in every sense), grandson Patrick (Stefanie our granddaughter), their two girls, Corin and Lilliann, his sister Barbara Wiggins Beedle (Ruben), and many nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents, his brother Kenneth Hicks, and his precious grandson, Michael "MJ" Hicks.

There are not enough words to thank his Providence Hospice Team, pastors and staff at St. Mathews Lutheran Church, and all our treasured friends and neighbors who have supported us during this time.