Ralph W. Hicks

 Ralph W. Hicks - age 86 of Winston, MO passed away Sunday afternoon, July 16, 2023, at Daviess County Nursing and Rehab in Gallatin. Ralph was born on October 9, 1936, the son of Russel and Mary Ann (Davis) Hicks in Bethany, MO. Ralph lost his parents at a young age and his uncle and aunt helped raise him. He was a graduate of Gallatin High School and attended the University of Missouri in Columbia and Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.  Ralph married Sherry Lee Bowden on March 21st, 1964, at the Cairo Christian Church in Cairo. He served in the United States Army. He spent over 25 years in banking, working for Sentinel Savings & Loan and Metropolitan Savings and Loan in Independence, North American Bank and Bank of America. Ralph enjoyed going to work everyday. He always enjoyed yard work. He was a member of Avondale United Methodist Church. Ralph never met a stranger; everyone that knew him, loved him. He was a nice guy and always had a funny joke to share. Ralph's memory was exceptional. He could recite poems, commercials, jingles and things he had learned in school. Ralph will be dearly missed by his family and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; aunt and uncle, Harold and Anna Grace Kilburn who helped raise him; sisters, Anetta Lee Stone, Betty Jean Coffey, Charlene Santee, Barbara Beecher, and Marilyn Crass; and sis-cousin, Martha Lee Assel. He is survived by his wife Sherry Hicks of Winston, MO; children, Lisa Piburn (Bryan) of Winston, MO, Emily B. Hicks of Liberty, MO, and Ralph Woodburn "Woody" II (Ramona) of Mexico, MO;  grandchildren, Tabitha Brown (Clinton), Aaron Piburn (Thea), Helena Fairchild, Anna Fairchild, Guy Fairchild, and Iva Grace Hicks; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Rhett, and Liam; sister, Margaret Skidmore of Harrisonville, MO; and sis-cousins, Ruth Ann Thompson (Howard) of Hamilton, MO, Velma Ward of Hamilton, MO; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members also survive. 
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Cameron Veterans Home Assistance League in care of the funeral home. Memorial services will be held at a later date. A Veterans Marker will be placed at Rose Hill Cemetery in honor of Ralph. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin (660) 663-2117. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com 

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