Rex Hickman

Earl Rex Hickman, age 86, of Shenandoah, IA and formerly of Hamburg, IA, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023, at Homestead of Shenandoah, IA.

Born in Polo, MO on May 26, 1936, to Earl Samuel and Flossie Hickman. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Polo High School in 1954. Rex later served in the National Guard. 

He was united in marriage to Karen Lee Hummel on November 22, 1961 in Hiawatha, KS. During their 33 years of marriage, Rex and Karen had three children, Robbie “Rob” Rex, Angela “Ann” Janine and Timothy “Tim” Patrick, during their 33 years together.  Rex and the family spent vacations camping, fishing and attending country music shows in Branson, MO.  Karen preceded him in death in 1994. 

Rex had a natural talent and interest in fixing things and how they worked. This led to a long career that allowed Rex to spend his days working on tractors, cars and other mechanical systems.  Rex and the family moved to Hamburg in 1967 where he worked on tractors at Glenn Implement. In 1983, he opened “Hickman Repair” and continued his love of fixing things and helping others for some 36 years until his retirement. During retirement, Rex spent 10 years working at Nebraska City’s Lied Lodge and as a school bus driver.  

Rex was active in the community as a member of the Honor Guard, Hamburg Kiwanis and the First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah. He volunteered for the Hamburg Volunteer Fire & Rescue and Hamburg Popcorn Days. 

In 1998 he married Luella Hayes and the two shared over 25 years together where they enjoyed country music shows, line dancing and camping. 

He is survived by his wife Luella of Shenandoah, IA. Children: Rob Hickman of Lincoln, NE, Angela Hickman-Podany (Kevin) of Omaha, NE and Tim Hickman (Kareen) of Omaha, NE; grandchildren: Belinda Hickman (Nathan Hanmer) of Alaska, and Conner Hickman-Podany of Omaha, NE; great-grandchildren Rowan and Ronja Hanmer; Luella’s children Ron Hayes (Julie) and Cheryl Farrell (Bill) and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Karen Hickman, daughter-in-law Patricia Hickman, and his sisters Colene Carver and Maxine Hickman.  

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, and the Rash-Gude Funeral Home in Hamburg, IA. A visitation with family will precede the funeral from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at the Hamburg Cemetery at a later date. 

Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. 

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