Robert Paul Hicklin, born May 31, 1928 Marionville, Mo., went to be with the Lord Nov. 15, 2019 at 91 years old. He graduated from Miller High School. He served two years in the Navy and married his high school sweetheart, Wannalea Burton, on May 19, 1948. They had two children, Linda Dempsey and Robert “Bob” Hicklin Jr.
Paul, as he was known by his friends, did many different jobs over the years. He farmed, owned a wrecker, worked at Pep Boys, Lucky’s, and at Sears for 17 years. They moved from California to Missouri and he worked for Blevins Asphalt. He owned the A&W in Carthage and finally started Hicklin Asphalt in 1981. He and Wannalea built a home in Mt. Vernon. He was a private pilot, loved to travel and built a camping trailer before camping was popular. He would see a road and say “let’s see where this goes and off we would go.” He drove all the way to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada, before the road was paved. They traveled in an RV caravan to the tip of Baja, California, and took many trips via cruise ship, train and bus. He was an Elder and a Deacon in his church. He taught a Sunday school class as well as was a Youth Director. He loved having the young people of the church to his home for get togethers and parties. His favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art.” He loved Christmas and couldn’t wait to open presents so we always opened our presents on Christmas Eve. He loved the Lord and he lived his life as an example to others. He was loving and generous and always ready for a good joke or prank.
He and Wannalea (Burton) were married 51 years. He and Wanda (Marsh) were married just one month short of 19 years.
Paul was preceded in Death by; Wannalea (Burton) Hicklin, Wanda (Marsh) Hicklin, Emma De Gonia great-grandchild, Helen Smart, sister, Maxine Garner, sister and Raymond Hicklin, Brother.
Paul is survived by; Miles and Linda Dempsey, Bob and Sherrilyn Hicklin, James and Marie Sullivan, Brother; 7 Grandchildren Tina and Robert Pyle, Kerri and Shane Schindler, Rachelle and Ed Igoe, Kristofer and Courtney Dempsey, Richard and Shannon Smith, Shene’ Loyd and Skyler Greene, 15 Great-Grandchildren; Justin and Billie Jo Pyle, Joshua Pyle, Jarrett Pyle, Ethan and Natalie DeGonia, Osten and Becca DeGonia, Jake and Autumn Patton, Parker Patton, Dan Igoe, JD Igoe, McKenna Igoe, Liam Igoe, Staesha Dempsey, Fiona Dempsey, Kaleb Dempsey, and Colin Smith, five Great-Great-Grandchildren; Brianna Pyle, Rylan Pyle, Oliver De Gonia, Emma DeGonia, and Rowen Dempsey
I always knew I was loved. Daddy, you will be missed, but I will see you again,
Tell Mom hi, and remember we love you.
Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 at Ulmer Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 at Ulmer Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.ulmerfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
