Earl M Hicks

Earl Morrel Hicks BIRTH 22 Dec 1895 Lebanon, Boone county Indiana DEATH 16 Aug 1972 Fort Lauderdale, Broward, Florida BURIAL Oak Hill CemeteryLebanon, Boone County, Indiana, son fo William Thomas Hicks & Mary Etta McCoy

A man who was a pioneer in the engineering field and gained international prominence for the manufacture of bus bodies as well as wartime work, Earl M. Hicks, passed away early this morning in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Mr. Hicks, who was 76 years of age, had been in poor health five years and for the past four months had been in the Convalescent Home in Fort Lauderdale.

He started his career in 1919, developing school and passenger buses. He was appointed on a committee of the National Education to write the National School Bus Standards and Specifications.

Mr. Hick's firm, Hicks Bud Body, located on Indianapolis Avenue and for many years one of the leading industrial plants of the community, built the first all steel school bus body in 1936. Mr. Hicks also designed, developed and patented the school bus stop sign, as well as accomplishing many engineering feats. Many of these patents are still in existence today and many of Mr. Hick's designs are incorporated in present bus bodies.

Always concerned about safety and young people in general, he gave the patent on the school bus stop sign to the school children of America. Through this generous gift, the entire industry benefitted from royalty rights.

In 1942 he designed the ST-6, a mobile shop unit used in repair of small arms in the field. During the war years, his company produced over 10,000 units and cited by the government for production and other services.

Mr. Hicks quit the bus body business in 1956, but remained active in other businesses until retirement in 1965. He had a very keen, innovative mind and his counsel was often sought by other engineering firms. His sons were in business with him.

Also, Mr. Hicks, was very civic-minded and when residing in Lebanon helped many people and took an active part in school and community affairs. He also was a family man devoted to his family and their interests. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Elks Club, Odd Fellows, Society of American Engineers, America Military Engineers and received an honorary degree from Columbia University for his contributions and work in the engineering field. He had resided in Fort Lauderdale the past 18 years.

A native of Lebanon, he was born December 22, 1895, the son of William T. and Mary Etta (McCoy) Hicks.

He was married November 28, 1917 in Danville, Ill., to Ruth L. Hillock who survives.

In addition to the widow, he leaves two sons, Jack L. Hicks of Lebanon and Howard G. Hicks of Fort Lauderdale; a sister, Mrs. Ethel Crawford of Indianapolis; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Two sons, Marvin J. and Russell C., a brother Roy and two grandchildren preceded him in death.

Last rites are set for 3 p.m. Saturday at the Russell and Hitch Funeral Home in Lebanon with the Rev. Clifford Antcliff of Goodland officiating. Interment is to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Calling at the funeral home will be after noon on Friday.

married November 28, 1917 Danville, Vermilion, Illinois Ruth Lodel Hillock BIRTH 10 Nov 1898 Boone County, Indiana, DEATH 27 Sep 1985 Fort Lauderdale, Broward, Florida BURIAL Oak Hill Cemetery Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana, daughter of Sam Hillock and --- Quick

Marvin Jene Hicks Birth 18 Dec 1919 Boone County, Indiana Death 11 Apr 1954 Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida BURIAL Oak Hill Cemetery Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana married Geraldine Baker

Russell Claire Hicks BIRTH 12 Jul 1921 Boone County, Indiana DEATH 11 Apr 1954 (aged 32) Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida BURIAL Oak Hill Cemetery Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana, PLOT Lot 343 - Section 33

Howard Glenn Hicks BIRTH 11 Apr 1923 Boone County, Indiana DEATH 9 Dec 1984 Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida, BURIAL Oak Hill Cemetery Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana

Lowell Leigh “Jack” HicksBIRTH 3 Apr 1925 Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana DEATH 25 Dec 1987 Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana BURIAL Oak Hill Cemetery Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana,
Lowell L. Hicks, 62, fondly known to his many friends and associates as "Jack," died about 6 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, where he was admitted Sunday. He had been ill only a short time.

Hicks was a native and life resident of Lebanon, born April 3, 1925. His parents were Earl M and Ruth L (Hillock) Hicks.

He was graduated with the class of 1943, taking great pride in the fact that he was student manager of the basketball team which went to the state final four and kept in close contact with the team members and their spouses. The summer of 1943, he was graduated from Culver Military Academy and then entered the U.S. Army, serving as a staff sergeant during World War II.

He was married in Lebanon, December 15, 1946 to Iris Jean Dale. The couple just celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary.

Upon return from military service, Hicks joined his father and brothers is operating Hicks Bus Body Co., remaining with the well-known manufacturing firm until it closed in 1956.

Since that time, Hicks has been in sales, holding several positions prior to that as representative for A D L Division of Mayflower, where he retired this year after 10 years of service.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Lebanon Elks Lodge.

Hicks was a man devoted to his wife and his family and known for his active work locally in assisting others. He was a friend to many, known for his gentle, kind manner, couple with quick wit. He also was a man recognized for his meticulous dress and always a gentleman.

He continued an avid interest in basketball, he and his wife longtime followers of the Lebanon Tigers. He also retained an active interest in Culver and pursued one of his major hobbies, that of boating, often spending weekends on his boat on Lake Wawasee.

In addition to his wife, surviving are a son, Richie L. Hicks of Indianapolis, and two granddaughters.

Preceding him in death were a son, Gary Dale Hicks, and brothers Ward G, Marvin J., and Russell C. Hicks.

The Rev. Raymond King will conduct services at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Myers Chapel of Memories, where friends will be received after 4 p.m. Monday. Burial is to be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

April 14 1954 - Marvin and Russell Hicks 34 and 32 resepectively of Lebanon and longtime summer resident of East Shore Drivee were drowned Sunday at fort Lauderdale, Fla., when their plactic boat capsized. Both were academy graduates.