Marion William "Bill" Hickman

Reverend Marion William "Bill" Hickman, 94, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, July 9, 2020. He was born November 30, 1925 in Portsmouth, Ohio. He was reared by his special, loving Grandparents. His family is left with precious memories of a caring and hardworking Father. He leaves behind his loving wife Catherine, married 73 wonderful years; sons Marion (Harriet) Hickman and John David (Michelle) Hickman; daughter Diana Lynn Lawrence; eight grandchildren Annalea (Newman) King, Melissa Lawrence L.C., Rebecca (Lawrence) Wayland, Hannah (Lawrence) Hall, Amanda (Lawrence) Baggett, Megan Hickman, Katlyn Hickman, Samantha (Hickman) Martin; ninegreat-grandchildren: David and Jonathon King, Elizabeth Hickman, Jamison Cline, James and Aaron Martin, Madeline Wayland, Joanna Lynn Hall, Ezekiel Andrew Hall and all the extended family throughout the world. Marion is preceded in death by his daughter Vivian K. Newman, and son-in-law Edgar G. Newman; sister Evelyn Snivley; grandson Jason Christopher Hickman; great-grandson Baby Luke Martin; and first cousin Walter "Skipper" Hickman. Ordained in Ministry in 1953, and did pastor several churches in the Springfield area, attended Anderson University School of Theology and continued to pastor several churches in Springfield area. Marion served in WWII with the United States Navy Special Forces in the South Pacific Campaign. Marion loved many things, especially his loved ones and music. One of his favorite songs, during World War II, was "Harbor Lights", because the lyrics reminded him of watching the "Harbor Lights" fade away as he departed for war. He also loved the old hymn entitled, The "Haven of Rest", which is a personal declaration of his love for God. I've anchored my soul in the "Haven of Rest," I'll sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep, In Jesus I'm safe evermore. Marion did marvel at how God created the wonders of nature and how God is everywhere. The next few lines shares Marion's love for God and God's handy work. "Death rides on every passing breeze, he lurks in every flower." There is a land where beauty cannot fade, nor sorrow never dims the eye; Where true love shall not drop nor be dismayed, and no one shall ever die, Marion passing we all feel when the sun in all its illumination of the eastern skies He will pass through glory's morning gate and walk in paradise. He was a man of Christian character. He gave constant testimony to clean, pure effective living. God was seen in his devotion to Gods work and his every willingness to do what he could. Through the tears that run down or cheeks and the mist in our eyes we see the rainbow of God's love as seen in eternal hope and the great reunion over in Gods heaven. Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 10am-12pm at Richards, Raff & Dunbar Memorial Home with the service to honor Marion beginning at 12:00pm. As a courtesy masks are requested during visitation and services. Burial with special honors will follow in the garden of four Chaplin's, Somerford Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Northside Church of God or your' favorite charity. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.richardsraffanddunbar.com.