1SG David A. Hicks, Ret.
February 19, 1947 - October 25, 2025
Obituary
PRAIRIE DU SAC - David Anthony Hicks, age 78, passed away surrounded by family on October 25, 2025, at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg, Wis. He was born in Louisville, Ky., on February 19, 1947, to Martha Smith and Samuel Hicks.
A standout athlete at Henderson City High School, David was known as ‘The Flash’ for his speed on the football field. It was also in Henderson where he formed treasured and lifelong friendships. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University, he proudly served in the U.S. Army for 32 years, beginning with the Reserves then transitioning to Active Duty, achieving the rank of First Sergeant. His deployments included two tours in Germany as well as the Liberation of Kuwait (Operation Desert Storm). He subsequently taught ROTC at both UW-Stevens Point and Austin Peay University, instilling discipline and pride in future officers. Throughout his career, David earned many commendations, but he was most proud of his Legion of Merit Award and the Bronze Star awards. Following his retirement from the Army, he continued to serve as a civilian employee for the U.S. Navy at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) in Virginia Beach, Va.
Family was important to David, and he especially cherished time with his son, Ben. They shared a very special bond and made wonderful memories while living in Germany, Fort Stewart, Stevens Point and Clarksville, Tenn. David also cherished watching sports - particularly as a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and shareholder. He met the love of his life, Jean, in Stevens Point, Wis., and they eventually made their way to Virginia Beach, Va., where they spent 22 years before moving to Prairie du Sac, Wis., in 2024. David loved to dance, go to concerts, camp and travel with his wife Jean. He loved to fly fish, tie his own flies, golf with his buddies in Virginia Beach and, during the pandemic, became quite a creative artist.
David is preceded in death by his parents; and son, Samuel. He is survived by his wife, Jean; son, Benjamin (Sally); stepdaughter, Julie Vega (Roland); sister, Judy Hale; brother, Bradley (Jane) Hicks; and much-loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Burial with full military honors will be held at CENTRAL WISCONSIN VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY, N2665 County Road QQ, Waupaca, at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in David’s name to Agrace HospiceCare or the UW Carbone Cancer Center. They wish to extend their thanks to both organizations and David’s providers for their impeccable care and compassion; specifically, his team from UW Oncology (Erika and Dr. K); Palliative Care (Allison); his surgeons, Dr. Manakas, Dr. Richards, Dr. Heise and their amazing support staff; the Inpatient Hospitalist team at UW Hospital; the Interventional radiologists and Pain Management team at UW Hospital, who made the end of his life much more comfortable; and finally, Agrace HospiceCare, where he loved the staff that meticulously cared for him. They all brought him joy in his final days.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761