Raymond Eugene “Gene” Hicks, 88, of Baker City, Ore., died Sept. 8, 2010, at his home surrounded by his family.
His memorial service was Sept. 13 at Baker City, Ore. at Coles Tribute Center. Burial in Missouri will be announced later.
Gene was born on July 11, 1922, at Drury, Mo., to John and Golda Stout Hicks. He was one of 11 children, five of whom are still living.
He married Grace Smith Hicks on June 22, 1946. He served in the U.S. Navy for three years and upon his discharge returned to Missouri where he farmed and they had their eldest son, Lynn.
In 1950 they moved to Oregon where their daughter and two sons were born. He worked in the lumber industry until 1969 when he began his truckdriving career, which he enjoyed immensely.
He was a great baseball enthusiast. He played on an organized team for many years and coached Little League for 16 years.
He was preceded in death by his son, Lynn; his parents; and five siblings.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Grace; daughter, Patty Lang; son, David, and his wife, Julee, and son, Douglas, all of Baker City; his grandchildren, Gene Hicks, Annie Hicks, Will Hicks and Amanda Lang; two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Austin Hicks; sisters, Ruby Proctor, Amy Collins, Elsie Curtis and Sharon Smith of Missouri; and his brother, Ray, of Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heart ‘n’ Home Hospice or a charity of one’s choice through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
