Loyd Hicks, Jr.

Loyd Calvin Hicks, Jr., 91, passed away on September 9, 2022, in Odessa, Texas.

Family visitation was hosted in Odessa, Texas by his children at the home of his daughter Becky Lucas on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.

We welcome family and friends to join us for a short funeral service in Stanton, Texas at the Evergreen Cemetery outdoor chapel on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at noon with family friend, Father David Herrera officiating. Sunset Memorial Gardens of Odessa is in charge of the arrangements.

He was born in Austin, Texas to Loyd and Julia Hicks on July 25, 1931. His family moved from Austin to Brownwood, Texas during World War II. He attended Brownwood High School before entering the Air Force in 1948. He served his country in Japan during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1952.

He married Geneva Lois Lester on December 6, 1958, in Midland, Texas. Loyd and Geneva moved their family from Midland to Odessa, Texas in 1965. He worked for Southwestern Bell and retired with the company after 31 years of loyal service. His crew traveled across Texas many times to be of assistance when catastrophes hit our state. He made many lifelong friends while working at the phone company.

He had a love of plants and outdoors and instilled that in his family. Many vacations were spent at Lake Brownwood where he taught his children about the lake, fishing, and camping. Loyd was a great bowler and spent many hours at the bowling alley with his family and friends. He and Geneva were able to travel across the states with some of their closest friends for many years. He was an avid Mojo fan and remained a season ticket holder until last year. Loyd will be remembered as someone that could do it all from carpentry, cooking, mechanic, gardener, and everything in between.

He was blessed to find love and companionship again with Sue Wallace after losing his beloved wife, Geneva. They enjoyed many years together traveling and spending time with their families. She moved back to Arkansas but continued to be present in his life until the end. He loved his children and grandchildren with a stern, yet gentle spirit. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed life immensely. His laughter and smiles will be missed deeply. Whether you knew him as L.C. Hicks, Loyd, Sonny, Uncle Sonny, or Pappy, he cherished you and your connection.

Loyd is preceded in death by his wife, Geneva; parents, Loyd and Julia Hicks; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Sherwood Beckham, Virginia and Ed Sessions; sister, Bernice Hart; brother, Jimmy Hicks; brothers-in-law, Gene and Charles Lester; sister-in-law, Wanda Laijas; nephews, Tommy Hart, and Travis Beckham; nieces, Vickie Woods, La Nett Johnson and La Retta De Vore.

Left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy are his children: daughters, Cynthia Ellison Pope (Robert) of Gardendale, Becky Lucas (Robin) of Odessa, Holly Hicks of San Angelo; son, James Hicks of Odessa; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jason and Lindsey Ellison (Easton) of Dallas, Bri and Guy Tom Kellogg of Carlsbad, California, Lexi Ellison and Rob Romanelli of Grapevine, Gary and Erin Lucas (Ellie) of Odessa, Leo Karolczak, Anthony Karolczak, Skyler Karolczak and Gina Matute all of Dallas, Landon Karolczak and fiancé, Jessica Day of Odessa and Carter Karolczak of Dallas; sisters-in-law, Ann Hicks of Midland, Annette Dearmond of Stephenville, Margaret Anderson, and Mildred Lester of Midland; brother-in-law, Dwight (Kay) Martin of Brownwood, his first niece, Denise Beckham, along with several other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He is survived by his longtime companion and friend, Sue Wallace of Greenbrier, Arkansas along with her family.  Also, special friends Leonard Karolczak, Chuck Ellison and lifelong friends, Ronald and Betty Dement of Burnet, Texas.

Memorials may be sent to: Permian Football Booster Club (P.O. Box 13505, Odessa, Texas 79768), Ben Richey Boys Ranch (501 Ben Richey Drive, Abilene, Texas 79602) or West Texas Gifts of Hope (700 W. 1st Street, Odessa, Texas 79761).

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Christy in CCU at ORMC and our family and friends that have covered us with their prayers and love during these last few months.