Dennis W. Hicks
Dennis W. Hicks, age 77 of New Philadelphia, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, died early on Friday, July 6, 2018, while in the care of Community Hospice’s Truman House. For the past two years Dennis has bravely battled glioblastoma brain cancer.
Born at Union Hospital in Dover on April 25, 1941, Dennis was the son of the late Frank and Stella “Ann” Kiriluk Hicks.
A 1959 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Dennis furthered his education at Malone University before returning home to help his father in the operation of their family business, Hicks Roofing Inc. Dennis soon took over operations of the family firm and built upon the company’s reputation through his personable style, hard work and honesty with his customers. In 1999 he retired from everyday life at the company but took on a job as being a full-time grandpa.
While in high school Dennis caught the eye of a young lady by the name of Peggy Smith. The couple became high school sweethearts and married on Oct. 3, 1964. Together they raised four children and enjoyed traveling and making lifelong memories as a family.
Dennis loved being outdoors, riding horses, hunting with his grandchildren, riding ATVs and being a proud member of the NRA.
Six months prior to his marriage to Peggy, Dennis entered into the U.S. Army Reserves. In the early 1960s through 1969, he served as a member of the New Philadelphia City Council, where for a period of time he served as the council president.
In the late 1990s Dennis served on the New Philadelphia City Schools' school board and did his best to aid the community through the turmoil that resulted following the devastating fire that gutted the high school.
As a man of great faith, Dennis never shied away from sharing his faith in God with others. He also lived out that same faith in his daily life. For many years his faith was nurtured at First Christian Church at New Philadelphia, where he served as an elder, a deacon and a longtime Sunday School teacher. He later attended Dover First Christian Church and enjoyed attending Park Christian Church at Dennison to watch special performances of his grandchildren.
For the past decade Dennis and Peggy attended NewPointe Community Church at Dover and enjoyed being actively involved with their small group.
In addition to his wife of 53 years, Dennis will be deeply missed by his family, which includes their four children, Mike (Beth) Hicks of New Philadelphia, Michele (Mark) Hughes of Florida, Ryan (Naomi) Hicks of Uhrichsville and Jim (Lara) Hicks of Johnstown, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, Drew (Kristen) Hicks, Alan (Megan) Hicks) and Cori Hicks, Emma, Logan and Anna Hicks, and Ashton, Brayden, Karsyn and Palyn Hicks; and two great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Addy Hicks.
Completing the family are his siblings, Dawn (Fred) Kinsey and Dwain “Butch” (Liz) Hicks, all of New Philadelphia, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many cousins.
In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by a stillborn brother, Franklin Hicks.
A Celebration of Life gathering will take place on Saturday, July 14 from 1-4 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover, where an informal, family-led reflection on Dennis’ life will begin at 4 p.m.
Two organizations are close to the family’s heart and are where they request contributions be directed in memory of Dennis: Imagine Missions Inc., 236 Miller Ave., Dennison, OH 44621, or Thirst Relief International, P.O. Box 2266, Bend, OR 97709.
Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Dennis by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.GeibCares.com.