Art Hicks Jr.

Art Hicks Jr. returned to his heavenly home on March 29, 2019, following a battle with liver cancer. He was born July 25, 1943, in San Bernardino, CA, to Art & Rose Hicks Sr., the oldest of 4 children and was raised in Highland, CA. He grew up caring for the family chickens, rabbits, ducks, dogs, horses and milk cow. He received his own horse at age 9, which was the beginning of a lifetime love of horses. These experiences with animals taught him how to work hard, a trait he valued and taught his children. He excelled at high school sports, attending Pacific High School in San Bernardino. He received the “Athlete of the Year Scholarship” when he graduated in 1961. After high school, he attended Valley College in San Bernardino, where he played football and wrestled. During his junior high and high school years, he began showing and training horses. While in high school, he met Joan Fooshee, who was also a successful showman. They quickly developed a close friendship. Art always said he didn’t have a best friend until he met Joan. They were married in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on July 17, 1964. In 1967, Art graduated from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA. They settled in Etna, where he taught at Etna Elementary School for 35 years and they raised their family of 11 children. He had a GREAT love for his students. He will always be remembered for his science experiments and hands on activities. His love of drawing inspired him to create fun hand-drawn art, with geometric equations hidden in the art, for students to solve. They were later published and sold as a geometry book for kids titled, “Geo-Beasts For Fun.” Following his retirement, he was offered his dream job with “Heal Therapy: A Horse Program,” an organization which provided youth with equine assisted psychotherapy, facilitated by teaching them how to care for and ride horses. The merging of his love for horses and his love for teaching kids made for the perfect job, which he enjoyed for 10 years. Art had a natural love of people, which translated to a desire to serve and lift others. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he had the opportunity to serve in many capacities, including as the Bishop of the Etna Ward. He also served in the presidency of the Medford Oregon Stake. Art loved scouting. He participated as a boy and enjoyed serving as a scout leader most of his adult life. All 4 of his sons and so far, 10 of his grandsons, have earned their Eagle Scout ranks. Besides God, Art’s family was the most important thing in his life. He loved spending time with them, whether it be working together in his large garden, taking them on yearly summer camping road trips (exploring the western states and Canada) or traveling to see them in their homes. He always loved being with his family and looked forward to the “Art & Joan Hicks Family Reunions,” when all of his children, spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were together. He and Joan enjoyed traveling together and their “bucket list trip” to Alaska was their favorite. Art is preceded in death by his parents, Art Hicks Sr and (Hannah) Rose Jensen Hicks. He is survived by his wife, Joan Fooshee Hicks, siblings: Jerry Hicks (Joan), Larry Hicks (Martha), and Vonita Hicks Bishop (Bruce); 11 children: Lori Hicks Stubbs (Jeff), Wendi Hicks Taylor (Jeff), Lesli Hicks Havili (Maka), Staci Hicks Webber (Scott), Brady Hicks (LisaAnn), Shelli Hicks Loo (Kamanu), Bryan Hicks (Katie), Daryn Hicks (Sara), Jaymi Hicks Ritchie (Danny), Dustyn Hicks (Cindi), Kelli Hicks Beard (Scottie), 66 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 5, 2019, 11:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 233 N. Hwy 3, Etna. There will be a viewing prior to the services from 9-11 am. Interment will be at the Etna Cemetery.

Art Hicks Jr.

July 25, 1943 - March 29, 2019