Howard John Hickman
December 19, 1936 – January 18, 2023
After a long illness of heart disease, Howard J. Hickman died at age 86. He lived in St. Leonard Maryland for the past 40 years.
Born in Baltimore Maryland, he was the son of Nina L Maks and Harry R Hickman. He was the brother of Delores Prevosto (deceased), Patricia Sievert and Linda Schylaske.
He attended St. Benedict’s Elementary School where he served as an altar boy in the church. He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School. After serving 4 years in the United States Navy (1954-1958), he attended the University of Maryland and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. He spent the rest of his career (40 years) with the federal government in management with the General Services Administration.
He was the husband of Ruth Geisler and the loving father of Valerie Bungartz and Brian Hickman living in Ellicott City Maryland for 23 years.
He was known for his strong ethics and honest character. He was a proud but humble man who treated everyone with respect. He never spoke unkindly about anyone. His children always said that he made them a better person and they wanted to be more like him. He loved the simple things in life while living on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, spending time with his family, and enjoying crabs, oysters and corn on the cob. He also enjoyed ballroom and country dancing.
The latter part of his life he lived quietly enjoying time with his dearest friend Lydia Kester.
He is survived by his daughter Valerie, son-in-law Rene Bungartz (deceased), son Brian, daughter-in-law Shauna, adopted son Michael, daughter-in-law Christina and daughter Nikki. He also is survived by his grandchildren: Angela Brooke Raab (husband Chris Raab), Stephen Aaron Bungartz, Rebekah and Sebastian Hickman, and Kayla Michele, Isabella Nicole, Dominic Michael, Mia Dawn, Gianna Loraine, Carmela Rose and Alexandra Rae Hickman and great granddaughter Brooke Rosalie Raab.
Other family members who were close to him include Earlene Johnson (ex-wife) and children Ruthie Humphries and her husband Shannon, Dawn Berry and Alexus Johnson.
May He Rest in Peace. We all loved him.
Mr. Hickman’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory be made to the American Heart Association.
Visitation
Saturday, January 28, 2023
11:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Services
Saturday, January 28, 2023
1:00 pm
Contributions
Condolences
Sort Comments
20 Jan 2023
5:55pm
My condolences to his family. He will be truly missed. He was a strong man that fought long and hard for his health. My mother Earlene and he remained friends up to his death. He was a kind hearted soul to her.
City
Waldorf
State
Maryland
20 Jan 2023
6:14pm
My sweet PopPop,
You were the only grandfather I ever knew. You made a huge impression on me since I was young. I will cherish many of my favorite memories of you, such as you taking Mike and I to the Mom and Pops store to get candy and Ice cream every weekend, playing Bible Trivia, and church rides in your work van. You were so special to so many people. Your demeanor was always calm and your words logical and caring. I sure wasn’t ready for you to leave. You will be missed dearly!
Your granddaughter,
Sarah
City
Timmonsville
State
South Carolina
23 Jan 2023
9:36am
My warmest condolences to his children (Val, Brian, Michael & Nicki) and his sisters Pat and Linda for their great loss. Pop was the kindest man I have ever known. He would do anything for his family and I feel very lucky to be counted among them. He was always there for me and my daughter, Brandy. He was quick with a smile and a hug and an offering of some food or drink! I loved him deeply and I hope he knew how much he was loved by Brandy and me.
My mother, Earlene Johnson, was his second wife and they had a special bond. I am so glad he was able to see her a few months ago. She was delighted to see his smile! Mom wanted to express her sadness and asked that I post something for her as well. So from my Mom, “He was my best friend and I was so grateful to him for the way he was always there for me. He always remembered my birthday and made me feel special and loved. Miss you more, Pop.”
City
Waldorf
State
MD
24 Jan 2023
12:42am
Poppop you will truly be missed. You have taught me so many of lifes greatest secrets. I will always remember you. Your name might have been poppop but you were my dad since I first knew you. I remember meeting with you and you riding that big red truck. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you as much as I should. The only thing I didn’t like was when you would tell all of us that you were fine even when we knew you weren’t. You were a fighter.
I guess I just wasn’t ready for you to leave us because of you fighting so hard and so long for your life. I remember how after a heart surgery you would act like nothing even happened.
It’s crazy how God takes the good ones first. This isn’t goodbye it’s till I see you again my sweet loving poppop.
-love forever and always Julie Anna
City
Baltimore
State
Maryland
29 Jan 2023
11:42am
My condolences to all the family. I square danced with Howard and Lydia for several. They were loved by everyone in the club. Like mentioned in his life story I never heard Howard say a bad word about anyone. He was always looking for the good in people. We missed Howard and Lydia both when they stopped dancing. May He rest in peace with God in Heaven. Mary Ann Rymer
City
Lexington Park
State
MD
Sort Comments
My condolences to his family. He will be truly missed. He was a strong man that fought long and hard for his health. My mother Earlene and he remained friends up to his death. He was a kind hearted soul to her.
My sweet PopPop,
You were the only grandfather I ever knew. You made a huge impression on me since I was young. I will cherish many of my favorite memories of you, such as you taking Mike and I to the Mom and Pops store to get candy and Ice cream every weekend, playing Bible Trivia, and church rides in your work van. You were so special to so many people. Your demeanor was always calm and your words logical and caring. I sure wasn’t ready for you to leave. You will be missed dearly!
Your granddaughter,
Sarah
My warmest condolences to his children (Val, Brian, Michael & Nicki) and his sisters Pat and Linda for their great loss. Pop was the kindest man I have ever known. He would do anything for his family and I feel very lucky to be counted among them. He was always there for me and my daughter, Brandy. He was quick with a smile and a hug and an offering of some food or drink! I loved him deeply and I hope he knew how much he was loved by Brandy and me.
My mother, Earlene Johnson, was his second wife and they had a special bond. I am so glad he was able to see her a few months ago. She was delighted to see his smile! Mom wanted to express her sadness and asked that I post something for her as well. So from my Mom, “He was my best friend and I was so grateful to him for the way he was always there for me. He always remembered my birthday and made me feel special and loved. Miss you more, Pop.”
Poppop you will truly be missed. You have taught me so many of lifes greatest secrets. I will always remember you. Your name might have been poppop but you were my dad since I first knew you. I remember meeting with you and you riding that big red truck. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you as much as I should. The only thing I didn’t like was when you would tell all of us that you were fine even when we knew you weren’t. You were a fighter.
I guess I just wasn’t ready for you to leave us because of you fighting so hard and so long for your life. I remember how after a heart surgery you would act like nothing even happened.
It’s crazy how God takes the good ones first. This isn’t goodbye it’s till I see you again my sweet loving poppop.
-love forever and always Julie Anna
My condolences to all the family. I square danced with Howard and Lydia for several. They were loved by everyone in the club. Like mentioned in his life story I never heard Howard say a bad word about anyone. He was always looking for the good in people. We missed Howard and Lydia both when they stopped dancing. May He rest in peace with God in Heaven. Mary Ann Rymer