Richard F. “Dick” Hickok
August 7th, 1940 - February 21st, 2024
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Dick's Obituary
Richard F. “Dick” Hickok, 83, of Buchanan, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at home with his family by his side.
A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2 at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan, MI. Private inurnment with full military honors will be held at a later date at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Memorial contributions in Dick's name may be made to the Buchanan American Legion, Post 51 or The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Dick was born on August 7, 1940, to Frank and Helen (Thorson) Hickok in Buchanan. He graduated from Buchanan High School, class of 1959 and went on to attend Ferris State University and played football for 1 year.
On November 27, 1965, he married Diana Haag at the First United Methodist Church in Buchanan. Dick held a handful of jobs before entering the apprenticeship program with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 172, where he found his true calling. He was the first pick for entrance and the top student in his apprenticeship class. Dick eventually earned his Master Plumber and Pipefitters license and started T.K. Garberick, Inc. with two friends in the early 1970s. He worked there for many years until starting his own business, R.F. Hickok Plumbing & Heating, in the 1990s. Dick was also a private pilot, inventor/owner of two patents, and restorer of old cars.
Dick had great pride for his country and his military service with 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam war. He was the first Vietnam veteran to become a member of the Buchanan American Legion, Post 51, of which he was a proud and active member.
Dick loved to travel and was able to visit many places throughout the world. From Europe to Malaysia and even the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, every destination was worth consideration–from the obscure to the grand. His sense of direction was impressive. There is not a country road Dick has not traveled, and it can be safely said that he was never lost–and he could always find the nearest Dairy Queen.
While often stoic, Dick had deep feelings and commitments to his friends and family. If a favor was needed or a job to be done, you could count on Hickok to show up and lend a hand or give advice. He was well respected and loved by those who knew him.
Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Diana Hickok; children, Elizabeth (Dewey) Parker, Richard (Jennifer) Hickok II and Robert (Casie) Hickok; son-in-law, Mike Conrad; brother, Fred (Karen) Hickok; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen Hickok; daughter, Jamie Sue Hickok Goldner Conrad and siblings, Norma Jean Leidy and Merlin Noggle.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all the caregivers who lovingly delivered in-home assistance to Dick in his time of need.
A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2 at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan, MI. Private inurnment with full military honors will be held at a later date at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Memorial contributions in Dick's name may be made to the Buchanan American Legion, Post 51 or The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Dick was born on August 7, 1940, to Frank and Helen (Thorson) Hickok in Buchanan. He graduated from Buchanan High School, class of 1959 and went on to attend Ferris State University and played football for 1 year.
On November 27, 1965, he married Diana Haag at the First United Methodist Church in Buchanan. Dick held a handful of jobs before entering the apprenticeship program with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 172, where he found his true calling. He was the first pick for entrance and the top student in his apprenticeship class. Dick eventually earned his Master Plumber and Pipefitters license and started T.K. Garberick, Inc. with two friends in the early 1970s. He worked there for many years until starting his own business, R.F. Hickok Plumbing & Heating, in the 1990s. Dick was also a private pilot, inventor/owner of two patents, and restorer of old cars.
Dick had great pride for his country and his military service with 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam war. He was the first Vietnam veteran to become a member of the Buchanan American Legion, Post 51, of which he was a proud and active member.
Dick loved to travel and was able to visit many places throughout the world. From Europe to Malaysia and even the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, every destination was worth consideration–from the obscure to the grand. His sense of direction was impressive. There is not a country road Dick has not traveled, and it can be safely said that he was never lost–and he could always find the nearest Dairy Queen.
While often stoic, Dick had deep feelings and commitments to his friends and family. If a favor was needed or a job to be done, you could count on Hickok to show up and lend a hand or give advice. He was well respected and loved by those who knew him.
Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Diana Hickok; children, Elizabeth (Dewey) Parker, Richard (Jennifer) Hickok II and Robert (Casie) Hickok; son-in-law, Mike Conrad; brother, Fred (Karen) Hickok; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen Hickok; daughter, Jamie Sue Hickok Goldner Conrad and siblings, Norma Jean Leidy and Merlin Noggle.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all the caregivers who lovingly delivered in-home assistance to Dick in his time of need.
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