Obituary for Phillip “Phil” Leroy Hickman Phillip Leroy Hickman 1945 – 2019 Phillip Leroy Hickman, 73, deeply loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 3, 2019, surrounded by his devoted wife and family. Phil was born on August 17, 1945 to Helen Angeb Nabb Hickman and Forrest Andrew Hickman in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri and was raised in the small farming community of Hillsdale, Kansas. Phil was one of nine children and loved helping his mom cook and prepare meals for their large family.
This experience served him well as he later put himself through school working as a journeyman baker. He was particularly proud of his Kansas heritage and told many stories of days spent on their family farm where he gained a love of serving others, along with the spirit of hard work. Phil graduated from Spring Hill High School in 1963 where he exceled in sports, with a special affinity for football and basketball.
Phil carried that love into his college career as he played football in his Jr. College years. Throughout the rest of his life, he valued the pursuit of good health and fitness, and you could often find him on long bike rides or working hard in the gym. He attended the University of Utah where he received his Bachelor’s degree, and then continued on to earn a Master’s Degree from Kansas State University in Adult Continuing Education.
He loved to learn and was constantly striving to progress and pursue knowledge. He was a Vietnam War veteran, proudly serving his country at Fort Carson as part of the Army Field Artillery Unit. During this time, he also served as the track and football coach for the post.
Phil married Judith Maye Aitken on December 12, 1970. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on May 5, 1976. Phil found great joy in serving his sweetheart, Judy, and they recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary together.
During their life together, they mastered the art of “bloom where you’re planted,” as they lived in various cities across the United States and raised a strong family. Phil’s greatest joy in this life was his family, whom he loved spending time with. We loved hearing his laugh and the happiness that the simple blessings of life brought him.
He was most complete in the moments spent surrounded by children and grandchildren, sharing stories about his childhood and making us laugh while watching his infamous rendition of Frank Fontaine’s “Crazy Guggenheim”. He would do anything to make us smile and we’ll miss his endearing kindness, joyful outlook and sweet concern for each of us, individually. He was a stalwart member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and a love of the gospel.
He served in many callings in the church, including Young Men’s President, Stake Missionary and High Councilman. He loved working with the youth of the church and remained a friend and example to many. Phil’s truest calling in life was that of a missionary.
He was warm-spirited, confident and loved meeting new people. He filled his days with the pursuit of service and sharing his light with others. He spent precious time serving with the student wards at Brigham Young University, and had a special connection with the young adults there.
His kind smile will be remembered in many circles and as one who genuinely cared for those he met and never hesitated to share his testimony and love for the truth. Dad was kind, outgoing and charitable with a vision of service and love. He taught his children to be true and faithful, to be loyal and to be a living example of Jesus Christ.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Forrest Jr. and sister Thelma. He is survived by his eternal companion, Judy, and his children Carmen, Phillip Jr. (Tracy), Donald (Alicia), and Jared (Amanda) Hickman. He is also survived by his siblings: Jacqueline Seyler, Rosemary Schoenberger, Karen Dotson, Michael Hickman, Joyce Soetaert, and Dan Hickman.
He has 14 grandchildren who adored him and loved his wonderful hugs; they will always remember his love for them and that sweet sense of humor. Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Friday, January 11, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 1627 Cadbury Lane, Springville, UT with a viewing prior to services from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Interment with military honors will be at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park near Camp Williams in Bluffdale, UT.
Upcoming Events Funeral Services JAN 11.
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