Richard Hicks
Belleville | Save
Richard A. Hicks, 89, formerly of Belleville and most recently of Edwardsville, IL, passed away at Stillwater Senior Living Center surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Richard was born on November 17, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Roy W. and Velma (Brown) Hicks. He married the love of his life, Patricia P. Swinney, on June 3, 1961, in Belleville, IL. Together, they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Patricia preceded Richard in death on September 11, 2022, when she passed peacefully in her sleep.
In addition to his wife, Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Roy W. and Velma Hicks; his brother, Tom (Mary) Hicks; sisters, Amy (Larry) Wasson, Ellen (who died in infancy), and Audrey (Michael) Dangos; and his in-laws, Maxine (Joe) Pruitt, Margie (Bill) Kueneke, Hazel (Norman) Heinke, Louella (Joe) Sarmiento, Jim (Dorothy) Swinney, and David Swinney.
Surviving are his two children, Michelle (Scott) Moore of Edwardsville, IL, and David (Michelle) Hicks of Sorrento, FL; five grandchildren, Meghan (Brett) Duncan, Mallory (Andy) Studebaker, Mackenzie (Josh) Hasamear, Weston Hicks, and Anna Hicks; and ten great-grandchildren, Audrey, Eleanor, and Catherine Duncan; Reagan, Maren, Joseph, and Levi Studebaker; and Isla, Drew, and Shepherd Hasamear. He will be greatly missed.
Rich is also survived by his sister, Millie (John) Ligon, and many loving nieces and nephews.
The fifth of six children, Rich grew up in south St. Louis. When his father passed away at age 15, Richard began working to help support his family. Around that time, his mother moved the family next door to their church, where Rich joined the choir and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior - a decision that would guide the rest of his life. He later enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served from 1957 to 1964.
Rich began his career at Burlington Northern Truckline and continued in the transportation and logistics field until his retirement.
Rich and Pat built a beautiful life together - one centered on faith, family, and selfless love. They devoted their lives to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren attending countless school events, games, and celebrations. They traveled near and far to support their family and created memories that will be treasured forever. Above all, their greatest legacy was leading their children to the Lord and living lives marked by faith and selfless love.
Richard’s gentle spirit, generous heart, and willingness to help others will never be forgotten. His life was a reflection of quiet strength, devotion, and unwavering faith. He was a longtime member of St. Matthew Church in Belleville, IL, where he joyfully sang in the choir until he was no longer able.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of Southern Illinois and Stillwater Senior Living Center for their compassionate care of Rich.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthew Church or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. James Slone officiating.
Final interment will be at Green Mount Cemetery, New Baden, IL.
Renner Funeral Home
