Cecil Hickson

Cecil Luther Hickson, 88, of Piggott, died Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at Murphy Health and Rehab in Piggott.

He was born July 12, 1920, in Parma, Mo., and was the son of Calvin and Laura (Hale) Hickson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Ralph, Fred, Melvin, Calvin, Harold and Carol Hickson, and three sisters, Lily White, Ethyl Wallace and Violet Austen.

He was employed for many years by Wilke and Lankford Gravel Co. in Campbell. During that time he also had other interests such as row crops and raising cattle and chickens. He later was self employed in custom hay baling until his retirement in 1982.

As a hobby he maintained a small herd of Limousine cattle until 2005, when he entered Murphy Health and Rehab.

He was a member of St. Francis Baptist Church in St. Francis.

He is survived by his wife Joyce of Piggott; three sons, Paul Hickson and wife Geneva, Johnny Hickson and wife Pam, all of Piggott, and Eric Hickson of Cabot; four daughters, Nola Elliott and husband Arnold of Piggott, Ava Smith of Cabot, Mary Lou Miller and husband Larry of Pacific, Mo., and Charlotte Reagan and husband Neil of Alma; 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 7, in Hoggard and Sons Chapel with Trent Grimes officiating. Burial was in Piggott Cemetery.

Pallbearers were grandsons Mike Pratt, Nathan Hartness, Patrick Miller, Tony Reagan, Sean Reagan, Shannon Reagan, Colin Reagan, Scott Hickson, Rob Hickson, Dustin Hickson and Daryn Hickson. Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.