Charles Melvin Hickman

Charles Melvin Hickman, 86, the son of Henry Leroy and Lena Leota (Armbrust) Hickman was born March 3, 1926, in Schell City, Mo., and passed from this life on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at his home.

Charlie attended Flatrock School, then Schell City High School. Between his junior and senior year of high school he was drafted into the United States Navy, serving during World War II from July 1944 to June 1946. While in the military he served aboard the USS Birmingham, worked as a machinist, and received his high school diploma.

Upon returning home, he resumed farming and carried the mail for a time. It was Clifford Majors who first introduced a young Charles to Ethel Ann Maus and it was that blind date that led to their marriage on March 3, 1948. To their union three daughters were born. Later, in the early 1960s Charlie began employment at the Milk Plant in El Dorado Springs, Mo. In more than 25 years of employment there, he never missed a day of work and never arrived late. Quite an accomplishment for anyone. When he wasn't as work, passersby could frequently see him mowing and maintaining his immaculate yard and very large weed-free garden. His loves also included photography, country music, and most of all his family.

Survivors include his three daughters, Barbara Burdette and her husband, Gary, of Republic, Mo., Patti Russell and her husband, Kelly, of Walker, Mo., and Kathy Reynolds and her husband, Doug, of Schell City, Mo.; two sisters, Irene Hensley and her husband, William, of El Dorado Springs, Mo., and Edith Stockstill and her husband, Don, of Walker, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Trisha Ghan and husband, Eric, Brent Russell and wife, Alicia, Brandi McCullough and husband, Kevin, Mendi Westhoven and husband, Brent, K.C. Russell and wife, Kourtni, Jason Reynolds, Megan Reynolds, and Barry Burdette and wife, Laura; 16 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives; and many friends. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Fred; and his beloved wife, Ethel, who passed away Monday, Sept. 7, 1992.

Charlie's daughters have commented how thankful they are to have had such loving and caring parents who instilled in them responsibility, integrity, who led by example, taught them the importance of family; and who demonstrated a strong work ethic after which to pattern their lives. What a wonderful legacy to leave.

Funeral services for Charles Melvin Hickman were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 30, at the First Baptist Church in Schell City, Mo., with the Rev. Doug Reynolds officiating. Musical selections of "In The Garden" and "Serenaded By Angels" were provided by Paula Gray. Pallbearers were Brent Russell, K.C. Russell, Brent Westhoven, Kevin McCullough, and Eric Ghan. Interment with military honors followed at the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City, Mo. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church in Schell City, Mo.

Arrangements for Mr. Hickman were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City.