Donald William Hickman

Obituary Retired Chief Petty Officer Donald William Hickman, 84, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at the Select Specialty Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 1933, Chief Hickman quickly tired of school and joined the US Navy during the Korean War at the age of 17. During a short break in his military career, Don also served as a police officer in his hometown of Elmwood Place, Ohio before rejoining the US Navy. After numerous assignments and over 4 years of sea service, he went on to retire from the US Navy after 20 years of active federal service in 1971. Chief Hickman’s awards include the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, the Navy Occupation Service Medal, and three Good Conduct awards. Chief Hickman also graduated with honors from the US Navy’s premier Basic Nuclear Power program. After his naval career, Don received his private pilots license and became a flight instructor for several years. Soon, his entrepreneurial spirit emerged and Don started his first of two businesses, D. W. Hickman Marine Construction followed shortly by Marine Consulting & Permit Service. The same entrepreneurial spirit was passed on to all four of his children. Although Don had many passions in life, his relationship with the Lord and the study of the Bible were the most important. The love of his life was Janet Hickman. They were married January 11, 1958. Together, they started ministering to the “down and out” sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the Pensacola homeless and the incarcerated. Furthermore, they ensured their home was always open to anyone and everyone, sharing the love of the Lord and their hospitality with others. Don was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 44 years, Janet; father, Elmer Hickman; mother, Marie Heal; stepfather, John H. Heal; brother, Johnny Heal; and sister-in-law, Pat Hickman. Don is survived by his son, Dale (Kelly) Hickman; daughters, Gail Hickman, Karen (John) Loftis, Christy (Erik) Short; brothers, Michael Hickman, Joe (Vicky) Heal, Jerry (Jondi) Heal; sister, Mary (Paul) Smith; 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Don's funeral service will be held at the Barrancas Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 13, 2017. The funeral procession will line up at Faith Chapel on Beverly Pkwy at 9:45 AM and be escorted to Barrancas Cemetery at 10:00 AM for the funeral service with military honors. Per Don’s wishes, casual attire (shorts/flip-flops) for the funeral is acceptable and preferred. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Liberty Church 6006 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze FL, 32563. For donations on-line, please choose Gulf Breeze Campus, followed by Youth at the following web address: https://libertychurch.ccbchurch.com/goto/giving. Feel free to comment on Don's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/chiefhickman?ref=br_rs. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy, Pensacola, FL is entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Donald William Hickman

May 16, 1933 - July 8, 2017