Don Hicks

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer I have overcome the world. John 16:33\r\n\r\nDon lived in celebration of God's infinite blessings, approaching life with good cheer, fervent for his family and enthusiastic about his passions. E.A. Don Hicks was born September 21, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Surrounded by the love and prayers of his family, Don embraced his eternal rest on September 23,2019, in Bandera, Texas. He is preceeded in death by his sons, Rand Michael and Terry John, and is survived in death by his wife, Judith, brother Mack, 10 children, 31 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.\r\n\r\nComforted by fond memories, his family cherishes their experiences with him: attending football games at the University of Notre Dame, Don's alma mater: spending Sunday afternoons watching the Green Bay Packers; making fantasy football trades with Don's formidable team, the Shillelaghs; tail-gating at Milwaukee Brewers baseball games; vacationing to Don's and Judy's homes in Rosbeg, Ireland and Port Aransas, Texas.\r\n\r\nDon also knew the importance of appreciating the joys of every day, finding great pleasure in holding hands with Judy at church, walking his white German shepherds on the beach, and feeding the deer and wild turkeys at the ranch. Family members remember their father and grandfather listening to the WOAI post game report on the way home from San Antonio Spurs games, enjoying a Guinness Stout at five o'clock, and playing endless card games of Spades and Gin Rummy.\r\n\r\nLured by the maverick spirit of Texas, Don, with his father, E.A., and mother, Grace, purchased the Mayan Dude Ranch in 1951. Sporting a Texas-sized smile and black felt hat, Don established himself as an ambassador of good will, warmly welcoming generations of guests and promoting Bandera as the Cowboy Capital vacation destination. Inspired by entrepreneurship, Don and Judy were among the first to introduce the European travel market to Texas, representing the state at international travel showcases and conventions. For his work with Texas tourism, the state decorated Don, naming him honorary deputy sheriff to the Texas Police Association, honorary deputy sheriff of Houston county, and Admiral in the Texas Navy.\r\n\r\nHowever, Don will be remembered most for his strong faith and his devoted service to the church, as a parish advisory board member, lector. Eucharistic minister, and a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) teacher at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bandera. Combining his dedication to the church and his love of athletics, he coached St. Joseph's state championship Mustangs, mentoring young men on the fields and in their faith. Humbled by His illimitable graces, Don cherished his prayer time with God. reciting the Rosary and reading from his beloved Pieta prayer book, edges worn with years of use. In thanksgiving for their piety. Don and Judy were bestowed the Diploma of Redemptorist Oblate, the highest recognition conferred to a lay person by the world-wide Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. The gift of faith he bestowed on his family will forever be his legacy. Kneeling in the rows of St. Stanislaus church. Don's extended family is his testament to the power of God's love and the source of his greatest happiness.\r\n \r\nUndoubtedly, one of Don's favorite cheers was the Notre Dame "Victory March." One only needed merely to mention the word "cheer," and Don would enthusiastically rally with the chorus. He encouraged those in need, inspired those he touched, and brightened the lives of those he leaves behind. Now it is his time to triumph, to receive the rewards of a life dedicated to Christ. "Loyal son, march onward to victory," in heaven. We will never forget you, and we will forever cheer you on.\r\n\r\nThe rosary service will be held on Wednesday, September 25, at 5:00 p.m., at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bandera. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 26, at 10.00 a.m., at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. The family deeply appreciates your prayers and attendance at the services; however, they will not be hosting a reception following the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church at P.O. Box 757, Bandera. TX. 78003.\r\n