HOWARD HICKMAN

1958 - 2021

Howard Wesley Hickman, Jr.  
Howard Wesley Hickman, Jr. of Rockville, MD passed away on August 14, 2021, at the age of 62. Known to everyone as Wes, he was born on November 17, 1958 in Escondido, CA to the late Howard W. Hickman and the late June L. Hickman. Wes grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving at both Elmendorf and Vandenberg Air Force Bases. After his Air Force service, he moved to Montgomery Co. with his wife Cathy L. Hickman. Wes worked at several area businesses before joining the National Institutes of Health in 2008 in an administrative position. He worked there until a terminal cancer diagnosis forced an early retirement at the end of 2020.Wes enjoyed home improvement projects, rock music, and cheering for the Washington Nationals and the now-former San Diego Chargers. He also pursued a variety of hobbies in his life, including playing the guitar, piano, and video games. He also played rec league softball for several years and enjoyed an occasional round of golf. His biggest personal pursuit was photography, where he was always seeking the best lighting and angle to capture life's special, fleeting moments. Wes had firm political beliefs and was happy to share his opinion. Most of all, Wes loved family and loved life. He always dreamed of a happy retirement where he could pursue all his passions. While that dream was cut short, Wes would want those he leaves behind to relish life's delights. In addition to his wife Cathy, Wes is survived by two daughters, Karah Richard and Trina (David) Griles; a son, Trevor Hickman; grandchildren Mikayla, Alex, Krista, and Ty Richard, and Leah and David "Sam" Griles. Wes is also survived by a sister, Elaine Hickman; and a brother, Kevin Hickman. He also leaves behind several brothers- and sisters-in-law, extended family, colleagues, neighbors, and friends.Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Home, 300 W. Montgomery Ave., Rockville, MD. No other services are planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating, in memory of Wes, to Montgomery Hospice at montgomeryhospice.org. Pleas view and sign online family guestbook at www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com