His often arduous journey through this life completed, William Lowell (Bill) Hicks, Jr. was called to his eternal life June 18, 2006.

There he joins his oldest son, Jeffrey Hicks, who was a long-time resident of Whidbey Island.

Bill was born Feb. 14, 1924 in Fresno, Calif. to William Lowell Hicks, Sr. and Susan Koeberer Hicks, one of four children.

Bill served his country during World War II as a flight engineer in the Air Transport Command in the Pacific Theater. His B-24 flew men and supplies between Australia, New Guinea and various islands and Hawaii.

His entire working career was in the airline industry, assigned initially with Alaska Airlines in Anchorage, Ak in 1946, until his retirement from Republic Airlines.

Bill will be sorely missed by his wife of 60 years, Sally Boyer Hicks, and their two younger sons, Duane J. Hicks (Marie Noelle) and Curtis C. Hicks (Patricia). He also was very dear to Jeff’s wife, Lynn Hicks, and Jeff’s children, Kari, Jason, Mathew and Sara. He took great joy in his great-grandchildren.

He is survived by one brother, Richard Hicks (Belle) of Ukiah, Calif., and his many cousins. He will be missed by his family and many friends from Alaska to California.

Bill Hicks will be honored by those who knew him as a proud, strong man who loved his family, and as an ever stalwart patriot of his country.