Thomas Jay Hickman, 78, of Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. He was born on March 6, 1946 and was the son of Helen and Donald “Yogi” Hickman. He was a graduate of Glenwood High School’s class of 1964. He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1964 – 1967. It is fitting that he left this Earth on Veterans Day as he often said that his service to his country was one of the best experiences of his life, second only to being a father. He retired from the A-Plant as a maintenance foreman after 25 years and one day, as he would say. He took great pride in his career at the A-Plant, and had many fond memories of his time there. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Donald “Yogi” Hickman, his brother, Don “Hickie” Hickman, sister-in-law, Rosie Hickman, and two nephews, his name sake, Donavon Jay Hickman, and Jeff Hickman.
Tom often referred to himself as a “jack of all trades, master of none,” but in reality, everyone knew he was a master of nearly everything. Most people would say there was nothing that Tom could not fix. From plumbing to electric to drywall, if it was broken, he could fix it. But his skills were not limited to only repairs; he also built exquisite pieces of furniture for his family. Each piece was made with the love and care that was a core part of his being.
While many people likely considered him a man of exceptional talents in the skilled trades, he also had a lesser known artistic side. He was an outstanding photographer. He taught himself about photography with the same zeal he had for every other endeavor in his life, focusing on even the tiniest of details. With his camera, he was able to capture the beauty of nature and also the special moments in his life.
In addition to his many talents, Tom definitely had a wild side. During his younger years, he enjoyed racing dirt bikes with his son and nephews, jeeping with his friends, and driving his self-made dune buggy around the lake bottom with anyone who was brave enough to ride along. The faster he could go; the happier he was. This need for speed fostered his love of cars. Throughout most of his life, he was always rebuilding, revitalizing, and repairing all makes and models of cars, but his favorites were always the Chevys. The only mechanical feat he could not master was getting his children to check their oil regularly.
Tom had the biggest personality that brought a smile to everyone he encountered. When you were in a room with Tom Hickman, you were sure to laugh. He was quick with a joke and loved to tell a tale. In fact, the only thing bigger than Tom’s personality was his heart. Being in his presence was like receiving a bear hug. When you were with Tom, you knew you were safe and loved. It is this special combination of humor and genuine care that Tom possessed that ensured he touched the lives of many.
But of all the things he will be remembered for, it is his role of father and pappaw that will be his legacy. He was the absolute most loving father anyone could ever have. His devotion to his children and grandchildren could not be matched. He was a fierce champion for them, and he was always there for them in their time of need, fixing everything from leaky faucets to broken hearts. He always showed up for his kids, never missing sporting events, band concerts, plays, recitals and everything in between. When grandchildren came along, that same love and devotion flowed directly on to them. To say his children and grandchildren are lucky to have had him in their lives would be an understatement.
Tom is survived by his sister, Lenora “Sugg” Hickman, his daughter, Shelly Hickman, his son, Brian (Brenda) Hickman, and his stepson, Matt (Joy) Schackart as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Bradleigh Aeh, Madison Hickman, Morgan Hickman, Chris Hickman, Brittany (Ronnie) Williams, Sophie (Kirk) Gilbert, Allie (Dylan) VanBibber, Theo Schackart, Thad Schackart, Scarlet Williams, Evelyn Williams, Vivian Williams, and Ophelia Gilbert. He also leaves behind his nephews Chad (Stacie) Hickman and Brad Hickman, numerous great nieces and nephews, including Gabrielle Hickman who provided loving support and medical care in the last year of his life, several great-great nieces and nephews, his longtime friend, Doug Riley, and many other dear friends, as well as his very special neighbors Clint Askew, Amanda Cave, Messina Askew and Sienna Askew who held a very special place in his heart. Tom also held very dear the families of Julie Schackart-Albrecht, Rob Schackart, and Karen Coleman.
In this moment, we wish Tom were here to fix our pain, but his family and friends will take the lessons we have learned from Tom and move forward keeping his memory alive by living our lives with the same zest that he had. We will try not to take ourselves too seriously, and we will strive to find humor in even our darkest moments. We will be good friends to the people we encounter, and we will be sincere in our words. There are not enough words to express how much he will be missed.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Keri Kuhn, CNP and Dr. Nathan Kander who provided years of excellent care to Tom, surely extending his life by years.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at D.W. Swick Funeral Home in New Boston with Reverend Matt Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg. The family will also receive friends on Friday, November 15th, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the funeral.
Online condolences may be left at www.DWSwickFuneralHome.com.
