Oma Hicks

Oma Russell Hicks, 64, of Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at his home. He was born February 5, 1950 in Topeka, the son of Glen H. and Ruby I. Thompson Hicks. He attended schools in Jefferson City, MO. Russell was an Army veteran, serving from 1968 - 1973 and completed three tours during the Vietnam War.

Russell was an over the road Truck Driver for over 40 years before retiring from Knight Transportation in Feb. 2011. He was a member of the Highland Park Baptist Church, the Cum Joy Nus F.C.E., Philip Billard Post No. 1650 V.F.W., American Legion Post No. 400, the D.A.V., OODIA and was a VA volunteer.

Russell married Joan K. "Jody" Dehn on July 15, 1994 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include three sons, Shane (Heather) Hicks of Topeka, Bruce (Shelli) Shipps of Tecumseh and Brad (Jenny) Shipps of Tecumseh, six grandchildren, Tricia (Mat) Elder, Cody (Casey) Shipps, Skyler Reed, Josh Dunn, Jenna Reed, Kalee Shipps and, three grand-cats and his special companion, Princess. Also surviving are his siblings, Gloria (Bob) Littell of Lee's Summit, MO, Lorene Dunbar of Topeka, Carl Hicks of Topeka and Glenda "Susie" (Roger) Wright of Paola, KS. Russell was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Martha Johnson, Melvin Hicks and Linda Johnson.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2014 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow in Topeka Cemetery. Russell will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2014 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the VA Volunteer Services, 2200 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66622 or to the Highland Park Baptist Church, P.O. Box 5224, Topeka, KS 66605 or to Grace Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St., Ste. 100, Topeka, KS 66614.