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Max E. Hicks, 93, died February 22, 2021, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington, Kansas.  He was born January 21, 1928, in Chelsea, Oklahoma, the son of James R. and Lily Mae (Adamson) Hicks. Max graduated from Delaware High School, Delaware, Oklahoma.  He then served in the Army as a Private First Class.

On July 19, 1952, he married Betty L. Cook in Great Bend, Kansas.

A longtime Hoisington resident, Max retired from Petroleum Inc., Great Bend, where he worked as a roustabout and a pumper.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a former commander of the American Legion Post #286, and a 60 year member of the Masonic Lodge #331, all of Hoisington. Max enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, cards, and most of all he enjoyed his time with family especially his grand and great grandkids.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty L. Hicks of the home; two daughters, Rhonda Piland and husband Randy, and Becky Ritter and husband Keith, all of Hoisington; a brother, Alva Hicks and wife Virginia of Cape Carteret, North Carolina; 2 grandchildren, Jatim Wagner and husband Cory of Olmitz, and Justin Piland and wife Tanya of Hoisington; and three great grandchildren, Braydin Piland, Logan Wagner and Lane Wagner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Eugene, Lyle, and Marvin Hicks; and five sisters, Edith Swalley, Sarah Dodd, Pauline Wilson, Opal Heape, and Maxine Hicks.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday.  Family will greet friends Thursday,an hour prior to the service. Funeral service will begin at 2 p.m, Thursday, February 25, 2021, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Ron Bailey presiding.  Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Army Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Clara Barton Hospital Foundation or First United Methodist Church, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.