Joseph H. Hickey (Seymour) Sr.'s Obituary
Joseph Harold Hickey, Sr. age 70. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday July 29, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. graveside at the Seymour Masonic Cemetery with Rev. Terry Bennet and Rev. Gary Moore officiating, under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Seymour.
This “Fisherman & Fisher of Men” went home to Jesus Saturday July 1, 2017 with his children, granddaughter and some close friends by his side in his home in New Port Richey, Florida after songs of Zion were sang and some scripture read. He was the young age of 70. He was born December 26, 1946 in Texarkana, Arkansas to William Edward and Goldie Elizabeth (Dewhirst) Hickey. He was raised in Seymour, Missouri.
He was a “Joe” of all trades. At a young age, he served in the United States Navy, certified in welding, worked with a carnival, later was a prison guard in Jefferson City, worked at the steel plant in Seymour and then became a business owner of many businesses from a local backhoe service, tire & muffler shop, auto service, insulation & siding and truck driver; he also dealt in real estate and rental homes. He was a Shriner and supported their mission in helping children and their special needs.
The last seven years of his life he served the Lord and the last five years was an evangelist preaching the gospel. He was blessed to be able to go to Israel twice and to preach in 60 difference churches and sent many bibles and money to the Philippines. He resided in Florida the last year of his life, enjoying fishing and preaching.
He was a great friend to many. He was known for his crazy sense of humor and being a joker and there are many stories to talk about from his bear wrestling days to his evangelizing days, but most of all known for his love of the Lord. About a week before he passed he asked his daughter to write this down: My Legacy….”As the light from my lamp fades, my prayer would be that the light remains in the spirit of others to see Christ in me, that one more soul and then another be saved for the kingdom of God”.
Preceding him in death were his parents, and four brothers, Bob, Tom, Jim and Rex Hickey. Survivors include his daughter Crystal Hunter and husband Gary of Tarpon Springs, FL; his daughter Candace Hickey of Republic, MO; a son Joseph H. Hickey, Jr and wife Carr-lee of Nixa, MO; his granddaughters Katelyn, Annabell, Ty-lee & Stella; his grandsons Cason, Braden, Tatum and Kalem. He always said, “I hate kids” but we all knew much differently! He also leaves behind many wonderful friends that will miss him dearly. He always said, “I’ve lived a blessed life”.
We want to thank everyone for the texts, phone calls and prayers and a special thank you to dear friends Albert & Sheila Valdez, Junior & Jennifer and JoAnn Perkins who helped our dad so much during his last days and afterwards. We love you all.
Following the service, a room has been reserved by a few of his old buddies at the Rusty Spur for family and close friends to gather.
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