 |
Jesse F. 'Frank' Hickam Wilmington, DE QCWA # 26855 Chapter 179 |
Jesse "Frank" Hickam
March 15, 1934 - October 3, 2021
Jesse "Frank" Hickam, Jr., 87, of Wilmington, DE (and Dade City, FL), passed away Sunday, October 3rd, 2021. He was born March 15, 1934, in Ashland, MO to Jesse Frank and Gladys Hickam. A proud patriot, he retired as a U.S. Navy Chief Radioman after serving 20 years and served until recently as treasurer of the U.S.S. Gurke Reunion.
Following his retirement from the U.S. Navy, he trained to become a New York Life Insurance Agent, completing nearly 50 years with the company. As a civilian, he continued his life of service in many ways. He was an active member of the Travelers Rest Community, serving as treasurer of the Veteran's Memorial. An avid Amateur Radio enthusiast (N3RSD, SK), he shared his love of Morse code and other aspects of amateur radio with members of the community. He was a 32nd degree Mason and longtime, active member of the Shrine, often seen in charge of concessions at the Shriner's Circus. He enjoyed participating in events as a member of the Elks. A communicant of St. James' Mill Creek Episcopal Church, Wilmington, DE, he served Meals on Wheels with his wife, Helen. During his time in the Navy, Frank gained a love of travel. Together, he and Helen embarked on many adventures, travelling through all 50 states.
Frank was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia M. (Tibbetts) Hickam, after 33 years of marriage, and siblings: James Alvin Hickam, Lorraine Alfring, Shelby Hickam, Hallene Turbett, and Sally Renner.
A loving and beloved family man, Frank is survived by his wife of nearly 32 years, Helen P. Hickam; 3 children: Theresa Kolbe, Paula Durso (Loretta), Jesse F. Hickam III (Sabrina); 3 siblings: Bonnie Walker (Jim), Marvin Hickam, Evelyn Hickam; 8 grandchildren: Jennifer Winslow, Elizabeth Darling (Brian), Kylie Hickam, Samantha Hickam, Abigail Hickam, Sarah Jaumann, Alexander Jaumann; and 2 great-grandchildren: Dante Perkins and Erin Darling. Other surviving members of Frank’s combined family are Helen’s children, Paige Progar and Gary Progar (Leslie), and Gary and Leslie’s son and stepson, Zachary Manning.
A private memorial service was held in Florida at The Travelers Rest RV Resort on October 8. Memorial Services in Newark and Wilmington, Delaware, will be held on Saturday, November 13. A service and committal of ashes will be held at 9:00 a.m. at the Newark Cemetery, 20 New Street, Newark, DE 19711. At 11:30 a.m. will be a memorial service at St. James’ Millcreek Episcopal Church, 2106 St. James Church Road, Wilmington, DE 19808, followed by interment of ashes in the church cemetery and luncheon in the Parish Hall.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, those who would like to express sympathy send memorial donations to their favorite charity, the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.