Herman Gale Hickman
October 31, 1945 - October 9, 2025
Herman Gale Hickman was born on October 31, 1945, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Gaston and Epsey (Sockey) Hickman. He departed this life on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the age of 79 years.
Herman grew up in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He attended Plainview High School, where he enjoyed playing baseball, and graduated with the class of 1964. He later attended Chilocco Indian School near the Kansas line, studied accounting at Oklahoma State Technical School in Okmulgee, attended Tulsa Junior College where he earned an Associate's Degree in Business, and the University of Oklahoma where he continued his studies in Business. Herman also took art classes, which became a lifelong passion.
Herman proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War Era. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and was later stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, and at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia.
On June 4, 1976, Herman was united in marriage to Anna Faye Ballou at the Tulsa Wedding Chapel. Together they made their home in Norman and later in Tulsa. They had been married for over 49 years.
After a period of time working for the United States Postal Service, Herman started his career in accounting and business and was most proud of the work he accomplished at the Oklahomans for Indian Opportunity in Norman, Oklahoma. He also worked at Levolor Blinds in Dallas, Texas and worked as a welder at Dresser Engineering in Tulsa, as well as working in Claremore, Oklahoma for Dan Heuser. For many years, Herman worked in restaurant management, beginning with Church's Chicken, Denny's, and Braum's where he worked throughout the Tulsa area and retired after many years of dedicated service.
Herman and Anna were members of Alameda Baptist Church in Norman, where he served as a Royal Ambassador Chapter Leader and together, they taught Sunday School for fourth graders. In later years, they also attended services at Ballou Baptist Church in Locust Grove.
A devoted Oklahoma University fan, Herman loved attending OU sporting events - baseball, football, and basketball alike. He also enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Oklahoma City Thunder on TV, playing guitar, drawing and painting, fishing, and spending time outdoors with his family. When his children were young, family picnics were among his favorite memories.
Herman will be remembered as a kind and gentle man with a heart of gold, whose greatest joy was his family. A devoted husband for 49 years, a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he touched the lives of everyone who knew him with his warmth, wisdom, and easy smile. A proud member of the Choctaw Nation, Air Force Veteran and loyal Sooner fan, Herman loved sharing stories, laughter, and good conversation. Though he will be deeply missed, we find comfort knowing he is now healed and at peace in heaven. His love and legacy will live on in all who were blessed to know him.
Herman is survived by: His wife: Anna Hickman of the home; 4 children: Catherine Ballou and Dan Pickel of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ken Ballou of Rogers, Arkansas, Tommy Ballou and wife Caryn of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Curtis Hickman and Dr. John Ice of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; 8 grandchildren: Cody Ballou and wife Jennifer of Owasso, Oklahoma, Carissa Pickel of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Blake Ballou of Rogers, Arkansas, Elijah Ballou of Rogers, Arkansas, Noah Ballou of Bentonville, Arkansas, Melena Mayes of Lawrence, Kansas, Gabriel Ballou and Haylee Hopkins of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Michael Ballou and Melissa Tamayo Juarez of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 5 great grandchildren: Gaige Wolfe of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kennedy Rettke of Owasso, Oklahoma, Ruby Mayes of Lawrence, Kansas, Billy Mayes of Lawrence, Kansas, Rhythm Ballou of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and a baby on the way; 3 Brothers: Ronald Hickman of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Roderick Hickman and wife Joyce of Ada, Oklahoma, and Henry Hickman of Stratford, Oklahoma, 3 sisters: Magdaline Hickman of Wynnewood, Oklahoma, June White Buffalo and husband Rochelle of Roff, Oklahoma, and April Castillo and husband Eugene of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
Herman was preceded in death by: his parents: Gaston and Epsey Hickman; 2 brothers: Donald Hickman and Phillip Hickman; and 4 sisters: Christine Bates, JoAnn Amos, Linda Gibson, and Neatha Smith.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Cornerstone Outreach Church in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Reverend Dennis Fine and Lindsay King will officiate. Interment will follow at the Ballou Cemetery in Locust Grove. Services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home. Memories, condolences, and tributes may be shared at www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com.
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