Samuel Theodore Hicks, age 82 of Dallas, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2023. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on February 2, 1941. He is survived by his daughter Ann Hicks Hatcher of Frisco, Texas, grandchildren Christopher and Elizabeth Hicks, from the Dallas area, daughter in law Donna Churchman Hicks of Nacogdoches, Texas and wife Kathryn Ozlowski Hicks of Dallas, Texas and his siblings-in-law John Liebsack, Bill Liebsack and wife Carol, Margaret Sporleder and husband Richard. He was preceded in death by his first wife Jo Ann Helen Hicks of Dallas, his parents Sam Hicks of Pensacola, Florida and Clara Theresa Pint of Pierce, Nebraska, son in law Otis Hatcher of Frisco, Texas, son Timothy Samuel Hicks of McKinney, Texas and nephew Justin Sporleder of Nixa, Missouri.
Sam graduated from Pierce, Nebraska High School and Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Immediately following college graduation, he married his high school sweetheart Jo Ann. He also started his CPA career working for Arthur Young & Co. (AY) in Kansas City which later merged and became Ernst & Young (EY).
In 1963 Sam entered the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant Tank Commander at Fort Hood in Texas. After completing his active service, he remained in the National Guard and was Honorably Discharged as a Captain. Sam returned to work for AY in Kansas City where they raised their son, Tim and daughter Ann joined the family a few years later. Promotion opportunities at AY moved the family to Westport, Connecticut where Sam commuted via train to New York City. When he made Partner, the family moved to Dallas, Texas in 1978. Tokyo was the next stop when he was promoted to Head of Office. He and Jo Ann had the adventure of a lifetime for five years traveling around the world and meeting Sam’s family at the Hicks Family Homestead in Cornwall, England.
Once back in Texas, the remaining years of his life were devoted to attending Tim’s concerts as head band director at St. Mark’s, and his grandchildren’s band and flag events and competitions. He was a loving father and grandfather who never met a stranger and was always interested in everyone he met.
He worked in the private sector for several years and donated his time through AARP helping seniors with their tax returns. He was a devoted member of The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany where he was Treasurer and helped collect and account for funds to enlarge the Epiphany campus with a new building. Jo Ann passed away suddenly in 2015 after 53 years of marriage.
In 2016, Sam met Kathy Ozlowski and married that same year. Sam and Kathy had a wonderful seven year, “4th Quarter” of life creating many happy memories including traveling to Alaska, Honduras, Israel and to many points in between for family weddings, reunions and other points of interest around the United States. The last two years they lived in The Tradition Senior Living – “the English Country Manor Estate where they shared the space with many friends”. They enjoyed all the benefits of senior living such as fine dining with friends, listening to speakers, playing bingo, and enjoying happy hour.
A Funeral Service will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, 9/30/23. A reception will follow at the Church. The family requests memorials be sent in Sam’s name to The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 421 Custer Road, Richardson, Texas 75080 or in Honor of Sam to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/. Sam was much loved and will be greatly missed when the family eats an ear of corn or stops to have a Braum’s sundae
Kathy September 22, 2023
Friend Frisco , Texas
Sending prayers and love to your family for peace and strength during this sad time Beth & kathy
Jodi & David Farris September 30, 2023
Church family friend Plano , Texas
Kathy and family, We want you to know how saddened we were to learn of Sam’s passing. He will be missed everyone. We are praying for courage and strength for the family during this difficult time. Praying for the repose of Sam’s soul.