Alden Hickman

Alden Hickman June 10, 1931 - Oct 3, 2024

 With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Alden Hickman who was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at the age of 93. He was a beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Great-Great-Grandfather, friend and a cherished member of many communities.

 Alden was born on June 10, 1931 in Chicago, the son of Alvyn and Ethel Hickman. Alden grew up in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, His childhood summers were spent on the shore of Lake Pokegama near Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Alden and his three brothers spent endless hours swimming in the lake and exploring the woods. A nearby dairy farm sparked Alden’s dream of becoming a dairy farmer when grown. 

 Alden graduated from the University of Illinois in May 1952. He then served in the US Navy on the USS Wm. Seiverling DE-441. He did two tours of Korea and then a total of fourteen years in Reserve duty. In 1954 he reentered University of Illinois to pursue his Master’s degree in Dairy Science. While attending U of I Alden met his friend Elmer’s little sister, Enid Ewing. Alden knew immediately ‘this is the girl I’m going to marry’! He and Enid married in 1956 and loved each other deeply during their 60 years together. Only death parted them when Enid passed away in 2019.

 Upon graduating with his Dairy Science degree Alden interviewed for a promising position with a large dairy farm in northern Illinois. When the owner told Alden he could bring his “little woman” with him Enid decided that was the end of his dairy career! In 1959 Alden entered McCormick Seminary and thus began his lifelong career in the Ministry. Alden was an ordained Presbyterian Minister for more than sixty years. 

 Alden was the President and CEO of Heifer International for several years. This enabled him to travel worldwide to provide superior livestock and teach farmers how to improve their livestock and provide a way to support their families. 

 Alden’s sixty years of ministry included Springville, Utah, Franklin Grove, IL, Heyworth, IL, Centralia, IL, Pinkneyville, IL, Little Rock, AR, and Topeka, Kansas. He served with mission-minded organizations in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas.

 Alden was not only accomplished professionally but also deeply loved by family and friends. Alden had a passion for serving others, travel, reading, gardening, volunteering, mentoring, and keeping up with Kansas sports teams. 

 Alden was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and his wife Enid.

 Alden is survived by his son Charles Hickman (Melinda) of Forest City, Arkansas; daughter Flossie Langin (Chet) of Carbondale, Illinois; son Fred Hickman (Shalise) of Castle Rock, Colorado; and son Paul Hickman of Florence, Oregon; eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren, and many dear friends. 

 The family extends a special thank you to the staff of The Landings in Carbondale, Illinois who took such good care of Dad. All of them greeted him by name and showed an interest in all his stories.

 A memorial service hosted by the family will take place at 1:00PM on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Grace United Methodist Church located at 220 Tower Road in Carbondale.  Visitation will be from 12:00PM until the time of service on Saturday.  All are welcome to join us in celebrating the life of this remarkable man. Dad, you will be missed by many.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Heifer International.  https://www.heifer.org/give/one-time.html

 Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Alden, visit www.meredithfh.com.