Richard Kenneth 'Ken' Hicklin, 83

Richard Kenneth “Ken” Hicklin passed away June 1, 2015, at Genesis Health Care Center in Whitefish where he had been resident since December.

He was born on Oct. 27, 1931, to Charles Thomas Hicklin and Lillian Hicklin in Stoutsville, Missouri.

 As Ken grew up he showed great interest in mechanics and was often seen outside working on one of the family’s vehicles, whistling as he worked. He was also intensely interested in fire arms, also very knowledgeable.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 and honorably discharged in 1954. While in the Army, he was in artillery and as a result suffered the loss of his hearing over the years. He suffered from poor health most of his life and became permanently disabled with congestive heart failure.

He married Rosalie Vanskike in Paris, Missouri, on Aug. 18, 1957, and had three children by this union, eight grandchildren, two stepchildren and one great-grandchild.

He operated a drag line with his dad when he was 14 years old and also learned to set explosives in the coal mine. He and the family moved to Kalispell in 1967. He drove feed trucks a good part of his life and finally worked at Anaconda Aluminum plant for 21 years without missing a day.

Ken was church treasurer for several years at Easthaven Baptist Church where he and the family were members. He also played guitar.

He is survived by his wife, Rosalie Hicklin, and his children and grandchildren.

Thanks to hospice and the staff at Genesis Health Care Center who took such good care of him in his last days “before he went to with Jesus.” And thanks to all his dear friends who were so faithful to visit him over the months and to his children, Tammy Kiser and son-in-law Noel of Kila, Sherri Houterman of Minneapolis, and Darin Hicklin and Jessica of Whitefish; grandchildren, Jason, Jacob, Rachyl and Peden of Minneapolis; and Tarin, Mitchell and Blake Foster, Noel Kiser and Faye Rosalie Hicklin, all of Montana.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, at Easthaven Baptist Church, with military rites. To friends and loved ones, please bring a dish for the potluck and join us.