William Hicks, Jr. of Ligonier, Indiana died Monday, July 6, 2026, at his residence with his family at his side.

He was born August 12, 1947, in Hazard, Kentucky to William and Florence (Grisby) Hicks.

On March 31, 1968, in Brimfield he married Mable A. Hicks. She preceded him in death on August 18, 2023.

William had worked at StarCraft Marina in Topeka.

He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his dogs and cats, and being outdoors. A skilled handyman, he could fix just about anything and took great pride in working on cars during his younger years. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family and friends. His greatest joy in life was his family, whom he loved more than anything.

Surviving are a son, Mark Hicks of Ligonier; a daughter, Carla Shepherd of Howe; three grandchildren, Kimberly (David) Balagna of Taylor, Michigan, Travis (Christian) Shepherd of Wichita, Kansas, and CJ Howard of Michigan; three great-grandchildren, Kaden Balagna of Taylor, Michigan, Leo Shepherd of Wichita, Kansas and Graham Shepherd of Wichita, Kansas; four sisters, Darlene Messer of Springfield, Ohio; Brenda Thomas of Springfield, Ohio; Laurie Brown of Springfield, Ohio; Sissy Isaacs of Killian, Texas; and a brother, Gary Hicks of North Carolina.

He was also preceded in death by two sons, Jeremy J. Howard in 2006 and Chad Howard in 2009; a daughter-in-law, Joyce Hicks; three brothers, Timothy Hicks, Timmy Williams, and Kenneth Williams; his parents, William Hicks and Florence Hicks; and his stepmother, Polly Hicks Everage.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from Noon to 1 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Reverend Purda Hicks officiating.

Burial will follow at Orange Cemetery near Rome City.

Share memories and condolences with the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com.