Doyle B. Hickerson

Doyle Benjamin Hickerson was born on Nov. 14, 1926 in Eylau, Texas to Benjamin Oliver and Bertie Opal Rachel Hickerson. He was ninety years old when he was taken home to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 22, 2016.

Doyle attended Eylau schools and graduated from Texas High School in 1945. He then attended Texarkana Junior college and obtained his undergraduate degree from East Texas Teachers College. He was drafted into the US Army in 1946 and received an Honorable Discharge after the war, serving for a time at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As a member of ROTC, Doyle joined the Air Force in 1951 and was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base. He then earned a Master’s in Education from University of Texas and remained a resident of central Texas the rest of his life.

After serving in the armed forces, Doyle taught and coached in the AISD, first at Baker Junior High ('52-'58) and then Lanier High School ('59-'65). He then became involved in the real estate business, building homes and developing numerous subdivisions in Round Rock, Austin and Pflugerville. Doyle served as a board member of the Texas Baptist Children's Home for several years and was a charter member of Austin Baptist Church, as well as an avid UT sports fan. One of the joys of his life was his weekly golfing outings with his many friends. People were drawn to Doyle because of his sense of humor - especially his laugh. He truly never met a stranger.

In 1948 Doyle married Evelyn Prestridge, of Texarkana. They were married fifty one years, until her death in 1999. Upon moving to Austin in 1951, they joined Hyde Park Baptist Church where they would meet their lifelong friends Don and Nelle Cavness. Don passed away in 1994, and Doyle and Nelle were married in 2000. They enjoyed summers in Colorado, UT basketball and watching their grandkids and great grandkids grow.

Doyle is survived by his wife Nelle Hickerson and children Steven Craig Hickerson, his wife Carol and their children Colby and Holly. Doyle is also survived by his daughter Gail Hickerson Keith, husband Allan and their children Katie MacConnell (husband Matt and daughter Hazel Grace), Zachary Keith (wife Sterling) and Gracey Keisling (husband Shane and daughter Kara Jo). Survivors also include Doyle's sisters, Donna Leavelle (husband Lurry), Delma Kidd (husband Bobby) and Darlene Cross. The grandchildren and great grandchildren of Nelle loved joking with Doyle and always left him with a "Horns Up!” All of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever treasure Doyle's generous love and investment in their lives.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family at Cook - Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78752 on Monday, December 26, from 5-7 pm. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 27, at 2 pm at Austin Baptist Church, 7016 Ribelin Ranch Road, Austin, Texas 78750.

Memorials can be made to Texas Baptist Children's Home, 1101 North Mays St, Round Rock, 78664, or to the Building on a Strong Foundation Fund at Austin Baptist Church, 7016 Ribelin Ranch Rd., Austin, Texas, 78750.

To share condolence with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.