Gordon Hicklin

Gordon Max Hicklin, 90, sadly passed away in his beloved home on Friday, March 24, 2023. He leaves behind a grieving family who will remember him as the sweet, handsome, stubborn, and flirty center of their world.

Gordon was born on December 17,1932 in What Cheer, Iowa, to Clelan and Faye Hicklin. Gordon graduated from Lacy High School, and was recruited while working in the fields by a coach to play basketball at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where he played until he was drafted to the United States Army during the Korean War.

Before leaving for the Army, he met and married Carolyn Ruth Chambers. He served in the military for two years where he was stationed in Italy and traveled around entertaining troops at other bases playing basketball, football, and baseball. He returned home to his wife and 10-month daughter, Julie. Gordon bravely spent his life working as a lineman and retired from Illinois Power Company.

Gordon leaves behind his four children Julie Hicklin Buckner, Jill Descaro (John), Jamie Tschantz (Doug), and Jeff Hicklin (April). He is the beloved ‘Poppy’ to his grandchildren Barton Tschantz, Rex Tschantz (Bethany), Griffin Tschantz (Sallie), Cody Tschantz, Cassie Buckner, Haley Buckner, Dana Meisenhelter (Gregg), Brena Descaro, Allison Hicklin Nolen (Mat), Jennifer Brandenburg (Jaymie), Adriane Moody (Alex), Louis Hicklin and Gavin Max Hicklin, as well as his great-grandchildren Owen, Scout, Deegan, Beau, Rubi, Brena, Malachi, Kingston, Grant, Graham, Julia, Jonah Gordon, Carter, Bennett, Brock, Tate, Lena, Greta, Max, and one great-great granddaughter, Aiyla. He is also survived by his loving sister, Barbara McCulley, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, his long-time special friend, Susan VanDyke, her son, Chris, many close friends including his long time co-worker and friend Jon King, who called him dad. He was preceded in death by his parents and close friend Don Eddington.

Anyone who knows Gordon, knows his love of motorcycles, horses, sports, country dancing, and having his family all together. He and Carolyn raised their children in Wilcox Addition where he was known as the neighborhood dad who could always be found outside playing with the kids, organizing football & basketball games, races, and a few boxing matches. He would take the girls on his team and play against the boys (and the girls would usually win). He loved boating and teaching his children and grandchildren to water ski as well as attending their sporting events. He had the kindest eyes, the sweetest smile, and loved to make people laugh. Most mornings he’d be found going for coffee and making new friends. He left a lasting impression on those he met as honest, loyal, and forever young.

A celebration of his amazing life will be held at a later date for his family and many friends.