Darrell Gene Hicks, Sr. was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He passed away peacefully on October 26, 2021, at the age of 89. Darrell was born to James Everett Hicks and Opal Floral Robinson Hicks in Chilton, Falls County, Texas on September 15, 1932.
Darrell spent his childhood on the family farm with his parents, brother Bob and sister Mary Anne. The family was very close and were faithful members of the Chilton Church of Christ. He graduated from Chilton High School in 1950 and followed his brother Bob to Port Arthur, Texas to work as a seaman on oil tankers. While rooming with his brother in a garage apartment in Port Arthur, Darrell met Patricia Ann (Pat) Kavanaugh, the daughter of the owner who lived in the house nearby. Darrell and Pat were married in 1955, shortly after Pat graduated from high school. They moved to Groves, TX and raised six children.
After going to sea for a few years on Sabine Towing and Transportation Company ships, Darrell was offered an onshore agent position with the company. He traveled extensively to ports all over the country to meet the Sabine ships and take care of payroll, personnel, supplies and other needs. After retiring from Sabine, he worked as the Human Resource and Safety Manager for Offshore Marine Services in Sabine Pass, TX for several more years. Darrell was also a Master Mason.
Darrell was an expert storyteller and loved a good laugh. His laugh was so infectious and part of what made his stories so entertaining. Darrell and Pat were very involved with all their kids' activities; boy scouts, little league, drill team, etc. They loved to take the family on camping trips, sometimes for one or two weeks in the summer. They were devoted PNG football fans, attending most home and away games. Darrell was a faithful member of Gulf Avenue Church of Christ in Groves where he served in several leadership roles.
A visitation for family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 29, 2021 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. Graveside services will begin at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Greenlawn Memorial Park with Mr. Joseph Lee of Gulf Avenue Church of Christ officiating.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, brother and just two months ago his devoted wife of 66 years, Pat, on August 17. He is survived by their children and spouses; Mike and Becky Hicks of Dallas, TX, Terri and Tony Cuccio of Leander, TX, Ronnie and Kay Hicks of Groves, TX, Buddy and Judy Hicks of Port Neches, TX, Tammy and Dave Case of Austin, TX and Tricia and Scott Abshier of Raywood, TX. Additionally, he is survived by 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, his sister, Mary Anne of Chilton, TX, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful caregivers at Forever Young Assisted Living and at Hospice Plus for the kind and compassionate care you have given to our Mom and Dad during their time there.