Lester Hicks
September 10, 1942 ~ December 22, 2020
ATTENTION: THE DATE OF LESTER'S DEATH HAS BEEN CHANGED TEMPORARILY TO MOVE THE SERVICE UP TO THE TOP OF THE OBITUARIES. THE ACTUAL DATE (December 22, 2020) WILL BE POSTED FOLLOWING THE SERVICES.
On December 22, 2020, Lester Hicks passed away after a lengthy battle against kidney failure. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Family and friends are invited to his celebration of life at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, by Celebrant Dawn Stephens. Inurnment and military honors will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 27, 2022, at Czech National Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Lester Raymond Hicks was born on the family farm in Gray, Iowa on September 10, 1942. The son of Gladys and Howard Hicks and named after his grandfather's and father's middle names. Lester grew up in and around Perry, Iowa, helping out on family and friend's farms.
Truly a renaissance man, Lester was in military intelligence with the US Army Security Agency, serving in several countries overseas and earning a Silver Star Medal. After the Army, Lester excelled in varied occupations from carpentry, farming, truck driving, electronic piano and organ repair, grocery store management, and in 1990 earning, with honors, an Associate's degree from Kirkwood Community College in Computer Science. He worked as a computer programmer and analyst with the Freedom Group until his retirement. Perhaps his greatest achievements though were that of loving husband to Ellen and father to Jenny and Matt.
Other survivors include his siblings, Jim, Shirley, Carolyn, Iola, Bruce, and Barry; and sister-in-law, Julie. He was preceded in death by sisters, Winona and Brenda.
Lester enjoyed telling good jokes (and an occasional bad one), fishing, building wooden model wagons from scratch, and spending time with friends and family. A friend to all, the world lost a bright spot with Lester's passing, but he will forever live on in our hearts!
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We were so sorry to learn of Les’ death. He was such a kind, fun person. We know how much you’ll miss him. We’ll be thinking of you, Ellen, and of Jenny and Matt. Take care, Steve & Rose Rennekamp
Although I did no know Lester, I recall knowing Ellen who taught at Hayes Elementary School . My sympathies to the family and loss of dear man.
I am honored I got to meet him at least once! He was a truly wonderful guy with a great sense of humor!
It take great bravery to given a Silver Star. RIP fellow Army Security Agency Vet
How hard it is to say goodbye to a man whom meant so much. My father was an inspiration. He helped spur my interest in photography and introduced me to woodworking. He’s the reason why I still listen to Fibber Mcgee and Molly and know all the lyrics to the Statler’s Class of ’57. He never inspired me to try one of his peanut butter and sardine sandwiches though…. So many memories, its hard to share just one. Goodbye dad, I miss and love you.
A fixture in the neighborhood. A man who along with Ellen enjoyed watching me walk my black miniature Schnauzer, A. J. known by you as Jake. A. J. always would get you both to smile. A.J. “Jake” died on Nov. 13. So perhaps he welcomed Lester into the heaven. Both man and dog are greatly missed. Ellen my thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate through your grief journey.
I had the good fortune of working with Lester at The FREEDOM Group. He was a positive light in our little work group. He worked hard and was successful in his work. Always a joy to be around, and yes, as has been said, always told a great story. My sympathy and peace to the family.