Robin Randall Hicklin, 56, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Carthage, Missouri after a brief illness.
He was born March 25, 1969, in Belton, Missouri to Robin Lee Hicklin and Maryln Randall Hicklin. Robin was a long-time Carthage resident. He graduated in 1987 from Magnolia High School in Arkansas, where Robin played baseball and football.
Robin received his bachelor’s degree from Southern Arkansas University in History Education, where he played football for his dad. Robin earned his master’s degree in College Student Counseling and Personnel Services at the University of Central Missouri, and his Education Specialist-Superintendency degree from Southwest Baptist University. Over the years, Robin worked for Carthage Schools as a teacher, football and baseball coach, Joplin Schools as an administrator, Crowder College as a Financial Aid Coordinator, Pittsburg State University as an adjunct instructor, Missouri Southern State University as an admissions counselor, and, most recently, as the director of the Upward Bound program. Robin and his team worked with a special group of students to provide them with cultural experiences and academic resources to prepare them to pursue a post-secondary education. He impacted many students and athletes whom he had the opportunity to work with, took great joy in helping his students, and was proud of all their accomplishments.
Robin was united in marriage to the love of his life, Cherona Dawn Phillips, on July 19, 1997, in Joplin, Missouri. They were true soulmates, the best of friends, and rarely would you see them apart. Robin was a loving and devoted dad who poured his whole self into his children. Hadley and Carson were his pride and joy. He was so proud of the adults they had become. Robin was a great model of a Godly father.
Robin was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan. He enjoyed spending time outside, doing building projects, working out, and watching movies. Spending time with family was truly where he was the happiest. Robin served as President and member of the Carthage Youth Baseball Board, coached youth baseball, football, basketball, and softball. He was a member of the Council for Opportunity in Education and loved judging History Day at MSSU each year.
Robin was a member of Carterville Christian Church. His faith was very important to him, and he truly was a selfless servant to all. Robin served as a Sunday School teacher for students both young and old. He truly had an unwavering devotion to God.
Robin is survived by the love of his life, Cherona Hicklin, his wife of 27 years; his daughter, Hadley Hicklin and her fiancé, Nick Muskrat; his son, Carson Hicklin; his mother, Maryln Hicklin; three sisters, Tracie Skaggs and her husband, Derek, Shelly Perez, and LeeAnn Cox and her husband, Steve; and many other family and friends, who he loved dearly.
Robin is proceeded in death by his father, Robin Lee Hicklin; his brother-in-law, Alex Perez; and his father-in-law, Tom Brooks.
A small private service with family and close friends will be held at a later date.
Because of Robin’s heart for students and his passion to help them succeed, his family wishes to honor his legacy by continuing his work and has established a scholarship in his name. Contributions may be made to the Robin Hicklin Scholarship fund in care of the MSSU Foundation at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri.
Cards for the family may be sent to The Hicklin family, c/o Ulmer Funeral Home, 1208 S. Garrison Ave., Carthage, MO 64836.
Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
