Dale Hicks

Loren Dale Hicks, 71, of Hendrickson, Missouri, departed this life April 29th 2018. Dale was born April 2, 1947 in Corning, Arkansas to the late Gerald Marvin and Mildred Adams Hicks. The family moved to Poplar Bluff when he was a child. Dale attended Oak Grove School, Hendrickson School, and graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1965. In 1966 he entered the U.S. Army and was trained to service and maintain Nike Hercules missiles, launchers, and launcher control panels. He served in Korea from 1968 to 1969 and achieved the rank of Spec. 5 (E-5).

Dale married Carolyn Freer on November 8, 1969. In 1970 they opened Dale's Automotive, a full service Mobil gas station in Poplar Bluff. During this time Dale's interest in all things automotive flourished. Drag racing was a popular activity at this time and as a gifted young mechanic, Dale built muscle cars that he raced at the Poplar Bluff and Sikeston drag race strips. Later Dale became more interested in the restoration of antique and vintage cars. Over the years he was awarded countless car show trophies for his classic 1934 three window Ford coupe and his head turning 1964 Corvette convertible.

In 1973 Dale became a driver for United Parcel Service. This proved to be a good fit for him, as he remained in this position for 35 years, retiring in 2008. In addition to driving, Dale served as the Teamsters Union shop steward for 20 years, tirelessly representing and defending the rights of his co-workers.

Upon retirement Dale greatly enjoyed spending time with his treasured grandchildren. He also found time to work on his cars, and search for new additions to his substantial collection of historical Butler County postcards, photographs, and memorabilia.

Dale was a quintessential family man. Providing for his family and supporting his children was always foremost in his life. He deeply loved his two wonderful children and felt blessed being the proud Grandpa/Papa to his cherished grandchildren. Being a good neighbor, he was always willing to assist if needed and his relaxed demeanor allowed him to make new friends easily in his private and professional life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Carolyn Lee (Freer) Hicks of Hendrickson, daughter Teresa Webb and husband Chris of Poplar Bluff, son Brian Hicks and wife Amanda of Hendrickson, six grandchildren: Carson and Lauren Webb, and Luke, Lily, Ava, and Claire Hicks. He is also survived by three brothers: Mack (Judy) Hicks of Tallahassee, Florida; Jim (Vicki) Hicks of Farmington, Missouri; Terry (Renae) Hicks of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and one sister: Karen Throckmorton of Lilbourn, Georgia, several nieces and nephews, and beloved cousin Cyndy Taylor.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Marvin Hicks and Mildred Adams Hicks.

Visitation will be held on May 2nd from 12-2:00 p.m. at Moore Funeral Service located at 1100 Iron Bridge Road in Poplar Bluff, MO.

Funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 2:00 p.m. in the Moore Funeral Service chapel with Pastor Jim Schremp and Shirley Darnell officiating. Burial will be at City Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Voluntary Services at VA for Community Living Center 4th floor at the John J Pershing Medical Center 1500 North Westwood Blvd Poplar Bluff, MO 63901