George “Pinky” Hickman, Jr., 83, of Council Grove, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 5, 2014 at Morris County Hospital.
He was born December 25, 1930, the son of George and Madge (Faulkner) Hickman in Washington, Iowa.
Pinky attended Council Grove High School before enlisting in the United States Army. He served in the Korean War, was awarded a Purple Heart and was Honorably Discharged as Corporal in 1952.
He married Shirley Hunter on November 24, 1955 in White City. Pinky graduated from Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business in 1957. He was the owner of Hickman Tax Service, started working at Council Grove Post Office in 1960 and was Postmaster at White City Post Office from 1972 to 1991.
Pinky was a member of the Council Grove Christian Church, Masonic Lodge, Council Grove Country Club and Jaycees. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW. He was past member of Council Grove Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. He was a basketball official, was the "Voice of the Braves" football team for 25 years, as well as an MC for many talent shows.
He enjoyed playing baseball and softball (Bowery Boys) and loved to play golf. He was very proud of his family and loved spending time with them. He enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren's activities through the years. Pinky was well liked by all who knew him and will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Pinky is survived by his wife Shirley; children, Kelly and Crystal Hickman, of Council Grove; Shelley and Raymond Rickstrew, of Belvue; Kyle Hickman, of Topeka; and Sharon and Dana Richardson, of Wilsey; grandsons, Kenley (Lindsey) Hickman, Jace Rickstrew, Luke Richardson, Quentin Bender and Chance Bender; great-grandchildren, Aubree Young and Keaton Hickman.
He was preceded in death by his father George, and his mother and stepfather Art and Madge Crader.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to Council Grove Youth Baseball/Softball or Council Grove Senior Center. They may be sent in care of Penwell-Gabel, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.