Kenneth Kirk Hicks, Jr.
June 8, 1924 — February 9, 2022
Kenneth Kirk Hicks, Jr., age 97, of Cape Coral, Florida, formerly of East Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away in the presence of his daughter Robin Lommel, at Coral Trace Healthcare, on February 9, 2022. He is survived by his son, Robert Hicks (Deborah Dantuma), daughters Robin Lommel and Stacy (Anthony) Mosel. He is further survived by seven Grandchildren, eight Great-Grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Lee Hicks.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Hazel Hicks; his wife of 67 years, Virginia Hicks in 2014; his brother, Albert and Jan Hicks, brother, Robert Hicks; and son-in-law, John Lommel. After graduating from East Grand Rapids High School in 1942, Ken enrolled at Michigan State University summer school. In the fall, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp., graduating in the class of 43-C as a heavy bomber pilot with the rank of 2nd Lt. He served in the 8th Air Force out of Rattlesden Air Force Station, England, flying a B-17G bomber successfully completing a tour of 35 missions. He was then reassigned a new crew, but only flew one more mission before WWII ended. It is quite possible that he was the youngest person at age 20, to obtain the full rank of Captain. Ken returned home after the war to join his family business, Dean-Hicks Printing Co, until sold in 1967. He then moved to Ann Arbor, joining Litho-crafters, Inc. In 1978, Ken and Virginia returned to East Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1979, Ken partnered with his son, Robert, to form R and R Sales and Engineering Co. In 1982, he assisted the beginnings of Circa Gallery, an antique business in East Grand Rapids started by his wife Virginia, and her sister Marge Busch. He devoted his entire life to taking pictures of his family and their celebrations, be holidays, birthdays, graduations or weddings. Ken was an avid
follower of economic conditions, and employed his beliefs as a day trader in the markets. His entire extended family appreciate his teaching lessons that continue on to this day and beyond. Ken was the last surviving member of histen-man B-17G crew, as well as his High School class of 1942. His family used to kid him by saying, "Pop, isn't this how it's supposed to be? The Captain is always the last man off the ship!
No formal services are planned at this time.
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
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