Robert Theodore Hickman

Robert Hickman Roberrt Theodore Hickman, who kept the Good Lord smiling, entered through the :early Gates on January 28, 2013 following a brief illness. He was born in New Brighton, PA, son of the late Merle and Emma Luella Merrill Hickman. He grew up in Ripley, WV and graduated from Ripley High School. He was also a graduate of the Maritime Navigational College in New York and San Francisco. Robert served 21 years in the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marines and was a veteran of WW II and Vietnam. He volunteered and served in the U.S. Army Raiders and Navy Scouts, which were the original Navy Seals. He was a member of the Ripley Masonic Lodge, the Ripley Order of the Eastern Star and was a shriner. Since moving back to Ripley over two years ago Robert regularly attended the Fairplain Union Church where he quickly became a blessing to the entire congregation. He would close every service with a resounding "Keep the Good Lord smiling" from his seat in the sanctuary. He was happy to spend his last years back in Ripley with his family. Surviving: Sisters, Virginia Sayre, Jo Emma and Leonard Homyak and Barbara Anderson; Nieces and nephews, John and Luemma Wiiliams, Chet Homyak, Wayne and Cindy Homyak, Mark and Peg Homyak, Tom and Marci Weyer, Tim and Jenni Hayhurst, Donny and Cindy Anderson and Greg and Juli Wamsley; 16 great nieces and nephews and 8 great-great nieces and nephews; Special friends Anthony and Tonya Jackson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Frances Pierson Hickman, second wife Mary Doren Hickman, brothers-in-law Orville Sayre and Donald "Mutt" Anderson;, Nephews Matthew Homyak and Jonathan Anderson and great niece Megan Homyak. Robert was cremated and honoring his request, no formal service was scheduled. Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley, is honored to be serving the family of "Uncle Robert".