William Hickman

William A. Hickman “Bill”, 94, of Decatur, IL, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2015, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 24, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, with visitation one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Private family graveside services will be held at Fairlawn Cemetery, Decatur. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.Bill was born June 24, 1921, in Decatur, IL, the only child of Thomas S. and Lucile (Phares) Hickman. He married Mary Helen Johnston on February 20, 1946 in Hampton, VA. She preceded him in death on October 24, 2007.Bill was a member of First Congregational Church. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1943 as a civil engineer. He was an Aeronautical Research Scientist for 9 years and was in drafting for 3 years at NASA. Bill was co-owner of Plaza-TV for 30 years.Surviving are his children: Susan Billman of Decatur, IL, Kathe Smith and husband Karl of Williamsburg, OH, Holli Tangney and husband Robert of Denver, CO, William “Bo” Hickman and wife Christy of Clinton, IL, and Becke Hughes of Decatur, IL; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary, son-in-law Barry Billman, and great-grandson Jacob Thompson.Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman and shared his passion with countless others. "
}