Obituary of Benjamin Franklin Hickman

Ben Franklin Hickman, 83, of Stevensville, Michigan passed away at Hanson Hospice Center on Monday, January 17, 2022. Ben was born on March 4, 1938, to the late Emerson and Ladle (Edger) Hickman in Paragould, Arkansas. Ben’s mom passed at a young age and his father later remarried; Ben was one of 17 children. After school, Ben went on to earn multiple college degrees and wed his one true love, Mae Baker, and the two started their family together. Ben and Mae owned Topps Trade Center for many years. Ben could talk to anyone, made friends everywhere he went, and was one of the most true and genuine people that you would ever meet. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing but one of his greatest joys was joking with his great-granddaughters; his world lit up anytime he was able to see them. Ben never had a mean word to say and will be remembered as a kind, generous, and loving person. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emerson and Ladle Hickman; wife, Mae Hickman; two infant sons; son, Kevin Hickman; daughter-in-law, Kathy Hickman; and several siblings Ben is survived by his daughter, Karen (Colin) Cowan of Stevensville; grandchildren, Kristy (Rob) Saroni, Karrie (Justin) Turner, Brandon Cowan, Kristopher (Alecia) Hickman, and Ryan Hickman; great-granddaughters, Bailey, Morgan, Avery, Ellie, Lexie, Emmy, and Addy; sister, Mary (Alex) Lantos of St. Louis; and many extended family members and close friends. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Berrien County Baptist Church, 5940 St. Joseph Avenue, Stevensville. Those wishing to make memorial donations in Ben’s memory may do so to Caring Circle Hospice who took care of both Ben and Mae during the end of their lives.