Richard Paul "Rick" Hicks Jr.

     Richard Paul “Rick” Hicks Jr. age 75 of Harrisburg, passed away at 1:00 AM on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at the Marion VA Medical Center CLC with his wife Paula by his side.

     Rick was born in Gary, Indiana on January 28, 1950 to the late Richard Paul Hicks Sr. and Wilma (Lambert) Hicks.  On July 24, 1971 he married Paula J. Mason and she survives in Harrisburg.  Rick proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps serving in Vietnam.  He earned his Associates Degree from Southeastern Illinois College in Ag Mechanics and worked as a mechanic for Rister Brothers Farms and was a coal miner for Sahara Coal Company working at Mine No 21; where he was known as “Cookie Monster”.  He was Baptist by faith and was actively involved at Little Chapel Church including the White Horse Riders Motorcycle Club.  Rick enjoyed country line dancing, dirt track racing, and computer games. He also enjoyed playing the saxophone, guitar and harmonica.

     Rick is survived by his wife of 54 years, Paula Hicks of Harrisburg; son, Tim Hicks and wife Susan of Topeka, Kansas; daughter, Tracie Migliore of Harrisburg; son, Richard Hicks III “Ricky” of Harrisburg; daughter, Robin Agin and husband Mark of Harrisburg; eleven grandchildren, Chloe Hicks of Lawrence, Kansas; Anna Pfingston and husband Dakota of Providence, Kentucky; Leah Merriman and husband Caleb of Newburg, Indiana; Korah Migliore of Marion; Sarah Migliore of Harrisburg; Josiah Agin of Harrisburg; Jeremiah Agin of Harrisburg; Judah Agin of Harrisburg; Micah Agin of Harrisburg; Moriah Agin of Harrisburg; and Jaydon Agin of Harrisburg; two great-grandchildren, Nash and Steele Pfingston; sister, Pat Shetler and husband Ron of Golconda; brother, Danny Hicks and wife Vicki of Harrisburg; sister-in-law, Christine Hicks of Metropolis; and several nieces and nephews.

      In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronald Dean Hicks and Dennis Ray Hicks.

     Memorial services for Richard Paul “Rick” Hicks Jr. will be held at 12 PM, on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home.  Jeff Rush will officiate and burial will follow in Butler Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 11 AM to 12 PM, on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Stricklin Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be received at the funeral home.

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