Obituary of Charles E. Hicks

Charles E. Hicks, Jr., 75, of Norton Road, Vernon Center passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2015. Born in Rome, New York on April 11, 1940, he was the son of Charles E. and Evelyn Clifford Hicks, Sr. After graduating from RFA in 1958, he served for four years in the U. S. Navy. He married Jane Nichols on May 15, 1965. He was a resident of Vernon Center for 45 years. Prior to his retirement, Charlie was employed by Madison County for 27 years. As a talented musician, Charlie participated in several groups, notably the "Norton Street Strummers", the "Livin' Room Pickers", the "E-Z Strings" and the Mohawk Valley Bluegrass Association. His love of antique cars led him to be an active member of the Mohican Model A Ford Club. As a member of the Vernon Center United Methodist Church he was instrumental in the organization of the Vernon Center Old Home Day festivities. He is survived by his wife, Jane ; his children Kristin (Perry) Tooker of Oneida, Karen (Richard) Wands of Blossvale and Steven (Jo) Hicks of Syracuse; grandchildren Alexander and Elizabeth Tooker, Derick and Melody Wands, Blin and Porter Hicks; a brother Everett (Joyce) Hicks of Rome; his mother-in-law Ann E. Nichols of Oneida. He is also survived by several nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws James Buck and Laura and George Naholnik. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law Gladys Buck. Charlie had a life long love for dogs and he leaves behind his Black Lab, Harper. Calling hours will be held at Malecki Funeral Home, 23 Front Street Vernon, New York on Tuesday December 8, 2015 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral service will be held at Malecki Funeral Home on Saturday December 12, 2015 at 10:00 am officiated by pastors Missy McCarthy and Kevin Bailey. Interment will be made immediately after the service in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Vernon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Vernon Center Fire Department or the Vernon Center United Methodist Church. The family would like to thank the Vernon Center Fire Department, the New York State Police and the staff of the Oneida Healthcare Emergency Department for their expertise and sympathy.