Ronnie Dale Hicks, 77, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, passed away at 11:56 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at St. Louis University Hospital.
He was born June 7, 1949, in Advance, Missouri, a son of the late James and Mary Lou (Nolen) Hicks. He married the love of his life, Betty “Cathy” Hicks, on September 15, 1973, at Suburban Baptist Church in Granite City, and she survives. Together, they shared 53 years of marriage filled with treasured memories and a lifetime of love and devotion.
Ron retired from Houser Automotive in Granite City after 35 years of dedicated service as an auto parts manager. A proud United States Air Force veteran, he honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. His devotion to his country and to his fellow veterans remained an important part of his life.
Ron was currently serving as President of the Madison County Veterans Commission. He was a past commander of Glen Carbon V.F.W. Post #2222 and also served as chaplain and past commander of Glen Carbon American Legion Post #435. He was a faithful member of the Disabled American Veterans and had served as a past president of the Sons of the American Revolution.
His commitment to his community extended far beyond his service to veterans. Ron served on the Glen Carbon Veterans Monument Committee, Oak Lawn Cemetery Association, and Glen Carbon Historical Commission. He also cherished his years of involvement with Little League and was a past member of the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Little League. He was also a 32 degree member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite of Southern Illinois and the Shriners.
Ron enjoyed hunting and spending time watching his favorite cowboy and western shows. He had a thoughtful and caring nature and was well known for sending personal Christmas cards each year to family, friends, and many of the people he had the opportunity to meet throughout his life. He never forgot the people who crossed his path and enjoyed staying connected with those around him.
Above all, Ron cherished his family. His love, loyalty, and devotion to those closest to him were evident throughout his life, and he will be remembered for the many special times, memories, and traditions they shared together.
In addition to his beloved wife, Cathy, he is survived by a son, Derek Hicks of Glen Carbon; a daughter, Ashley Hicks and her partner, Anthony Petralia of St. Louis; three brothers, Jim Hicks of Collinsville, Dennis Hicks of Tampa, Florida, and Mike and Sonya Hicks of Marble Hill, Missouri; a half-sister, Betty McCormick of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; three sisters-in-law, Karen Becker of Wildwood, Missouri, Janet King of Alton, and Nancy Duke of Granite City; many nieces and nephews; other extended family; and many dear friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Connie Hicks; a half-brother, Larry Hicks; a half-sister, Sonja Cloninger; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Hicks and Sharon Bettis; and four brothers-in-law, Ed Duke, Frank Becker, Steven King, and Rick Bettis.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, with Chaplain Dave Noble and Phil Bailey officiating.
Burial with full military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Memorials may be made to Glen Carbon V.F.W. Post #2222.