Herbert Nelson "Herb" Hickok Jr.

Born on December 29, 1920 in San Antonio, Texas to Herbert N. Hickok, Sr. and Corrie Elizabeth Davis, he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1939 where he was in Band and ROTC. He worked for the Corps of Engineers in Galveston until enlisting in the Army Air Corps where he was a B-29 Flight Engineer and Instructor stationed in Alamogordo, NM during World War II.

Prior to his marriage to Ruth Ophelia Rucker in Abilene on June 27, 1947, Herb completed a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He was hired by General Electric and spent several years training in the Northeast. In 1953, the couple was transferred to Houston. Herb and Ruth became members of Spring Branch Community Church (now BridgePoint Bible Church) in 1954 where he served as Elder, Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, on the Missionary and Christian Social Issues committees and a longtime choir member. He was a board member and active volunteer for many years for Camp Peniel, Inc. and United Missionary Services.

Herb was a Registered Professional Engineer and employed by General Electric Company as an Applications Engineer for 37 years. He was an active member of the Petroleum and Chemical Industry Committee of the Industrial Application Society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers until 2004. In 1992, the title of Fellow was awarded by PCIC “for contributions to conversion of energy in industrial power distribution systems and process electrical drives”. Herb authored or coauthored numerous professional papers during his career, many receiving awards and publication. After retirement from GE, Herb did consulting work for Fluor Corporation.

Herb was a wonderful brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, teacher and friend. He loved being with his family, traveling the world, listening to “semi-classical” music, and being a backyard “gentleman” farmer”. He never hesitated to help out a friend or a stranger, and possessed an insatiable curiosity about everything. “Colonel Herb” in the Commemorative Air Force, he was also active in the Texas Railroad Preservation Society. He was a “one of a kind” man who will be missed by many. No doubt he is now flipping pancakes in paradise and riding heaven’s steam train!

Ruth, Herb’s wife of fifty-five years, preceded him in death. Survivors include three daughters and their husbands: Nancy and Lane Littrell of Apple Valley, MN; Linda and John Richardson of Dallas; Susan and Bruce Douglas of Austin; one sister, Eileen Hickok of San Antonio; eleven grandchildren: Alison (and Erik) Finstrom, Austin, Abby, Alayne and Alexis Littrell, Anna, James (and Candace), Jonathan, Josh, Jordan, and Sarah Richardson; three great-grandchildren: Kayleigh, Andrew and Emily Finstrom.

We are very grateful to those who helped care for Herb the last few months including Baylor House Calls and the Geriatric Clinic at Southwest Medical School. We are particularly indebted to Joy and the caregivers at Family’s Choice Hillwood House. These wonderful ladies shared God’s love with Herb in very practical ways. It warmed our hearts to hear them refer to Herb as “Daddy”. May God bless you greatly for your kind and compassionate care, given freely from your heart.

The family received friends at Waltrip Funeral Directors on Friday, October 8th from 5 pm until 8 pm. Following a graveside service at Memorial Oaks Cemetery on Saturday, October 9th at 10 am, family and friends gathered to celebrate Herb’s life at BridgePoint Bible Church, 13277 Katy Freeway in Houston with Rev. Tom Douthit and Rev. John Clark officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions being made in Herb's name, to any of the following:

BridgePoint Bible Church

13277 Katy Freeway

Houston, TX 77079

Camp Peniel

6716 E. FM 1431

Marble Falls, TX 78654

United Missionary Services

11931 7th St

Houston, TX 77072

UT Southwestern Medical Center

P. O. Box 910888

Dallas, TX 75391-0888

to support geriatric clinical care and Dementia/Alzheimer's research

www.utsouthwestern.edu/donatenow

The University of Texas

Cockrell School of Engineering

Engineering Foundation

1 University Station, C2104

ECJ 10.314

Austin, TX 78712

Attn: John Halton