James "Ken" Hickman

James “Ken” Hickman, 76, passed away December 23, 2011 in Houston, Texas. Ken was born in Athens, Texas to parents Jimmie Hickman and Ruth Harris Hickman in 1935. He proudly served in the US Air Force. He retired in 1992 from Houston Lighting & Power – Centerpoint Energy after 37 years of loyal service. Ken was a past Master of Memorial Masonic Lodge #1298, serving twice as well as Secretary of Memorial Lodge for 15+ years. He was a 33rd degree Member of Houston Scottish Rite and a Member of Royal Order of the Ducks. Ken was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents, younger brother John Harris Hickman and brothers-in-law, Charles Moore & Gerald Moore.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Betty Hill Hickman; daughters, Monica Robinson & husband, Melinda Hickman and Marsha Borgstedt & her husband Doug; grandchildren, Brit & Katie Carpenter, Jessica Borgstedt and Brian Parrish, Aaron Frank, Brandon and Samantha Borgstedt, Jacklyn Grigg and his pride and joy, Zoie Page Parrish, his three year-old great-granddaughter.

We moved to Hempstead, TX in 2005 and Ken was able to have a little bit of land where he could have cows. We have a large pond and a barn and a tractor and 10 cows a several new calves. But best of all we had a place large enough for all the kids to come and visit. That is the times Ken enjoyed the most having all the family over for the day. Zoie Paige is our first great grandchild and the apple of his eye. Ken loved to talk and tell stories even when we had heard them many times before. He could talk the right arm off any stranger. He loved meeting new people.

We recently joined the Methodist Church in Hempstead and have made some wonderful new friends. The pastor is Nancy Creason and she is the most wonderful lady and we knew the first time we visited that we had found our church home. We quickly became involved with everything going on at the church and have never been more comfortable at any other church.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Samer Saki, Dr. Issa Kouhri, Dr. R Abrol, Dr. M. Guram and Dr. Bernard Godkey for the wonderful care and compassion during a time of need. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ken’s name to the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society, American Breast Cancer Research or Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Visitation will be held Monday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 28, 2011 at the Chapel of Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home.