Dale F. Hicks

Born May 8, 1959 in Peoria to Floyd and Dorothy Juanita (Johnson) Hicks, he married Tammy Lyn Crady on October 4, 1986 at the Mossville United Methodist Church. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Dennis Jacob “D.J.” Hicks and Andrew Marc (Elizabeth) Hicks, both of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin; his father and mother-in-law, Steve and Arletta Crady of Chillicothe and two sisters-in-law, Kim (John) Applen of Groveland and Tracy (Kurt) Rimmele of Peru.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Debra Diane Smith; one infant brother, Dennis Floyd Hicks and a sister-in-law, Kelly Marie Crady.

Dale owned and operated Velde Lincoln Mercury Volvo in Pekin and then in Peoria for 28 years. He also had worked with Velde Cadillac Buick GMC and last as a general manager with Ray Dennison Cadillac Buick GMC. His career in the auto industry began with Velde Ford in 1979. Dale was active with the Lincoln Mercury Dealer Association and had sat on the Lincoln Dealer Council.

An avid golfer, Dale was a longtime member of Pekin Country Club and co-chairman of the Tazewell County St. Jude Golf Classic for many years. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and active in supporting his sons in their activities. Dale was a past president of the Pekin Community High School Boys Basketball Booster Program and active with Pekin Youth Hockey Association. He also enjoyed the annual Fantasy Football competition.

He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where he formerly served on the staff/parish relations committee.

His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 2, 2022 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. Pastor Eric N. Swanson will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Cremation will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell County St. Jude Golf Classic, 310 Country Club Drive, Pekin, IL 61554; Grace United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 601 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554; or to Pekin Union Mission Society for Shade Park, 203 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com