Obituary of Charles Edwin Hicks

Charles "Charlie" Edwin Hicks, 73, of St. Joseph, Michigan passed away at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph on Monday, October 8, 2012. Charlie was born on January 17, 1939 to the late Edwin and Susan (Malusk) Hicks in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He was the eldest of eight children. After graduating from high school Charlie joined the United States Army. After his time in the Army he joined the United States Coast Guard and proudly served his country until his retirement in the early 80's. On July 20, 1988 Charlie wed the love of his life, Dorothy "Dottie", at a ceremony in Tucson, Arizona. Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, infant son Jeffrey Hicks and siblings Richard Hicks and Betty Abbott. He is survived by his wife Dottie, children Barbara Strohl, Charles "Chuck" Hicks Jr. and William Hicks, all of Ohio, three step children who he adored Maria Renee (Denver) Nower, Anthony (Saundra) Hoffmann and Joseph (Nancy) Hoffman, all of St. Joseph, Michigan, several grandchildren, several great grandchildren and siblings Carol (Charles) Kozma of Davenport, Florida, Patricia Swigart of Davenport, Florida, Edwin (Christine) Hicks of Coloma, Michigan, Diann Harbin of Coloma and Evelyn (Larry) Altherr of Benton Harbor, Michigan. Charlie has been cremated and the family held private funeral services. Memorial donations may be made in Charlie's name to the Disabled American Veterans, attention Gift Processing, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250.