Dr. Paul Anthony Hickman
Dr. Paul Anthony Hickman, 66, of Tiro, Ohio went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 14, 2024 at his home.
Paul was born May 23, 1958 in Shelby to James Richard and Evajean Mae (Hopton) Hickman. Paul was an educator and learner his entire life. He was a 1976 graduate of Shelby High School and furthered his education at Ohio Northern University earning a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1981. Later, in 1985, he earned a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University and, in 2002, a Doctorate of Education (Ed. D.) from Ashland University.
Dr. Hickman’s 38-year professional career in education encompassed secondary, career technical, and also the collegiate levels both in teaching and administration. Beginning as a teacher in Mishawaka, IN, Paul returned to Shelby to work at Pioneer JVS/Career and Technical Center where he was an administrator for the adult education program. From Pioneer, he served as high school principal and superintendent at Colonel Crawford Local School District. Following Colonel Crawford, Dr. Hickman served as Superintendent of Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia. It was from there that he “retired” the first time. He then became an adjunct professor with multiple universities prior to becoming a professor and department chair of industrial programming at Stark State College. He was known by his colleagues for his kindness and integrity. He retired completely in 2019.
Paul was an avid motorcyclist for over 40 years and recently enjoyed flying planes and becoming a licensed pilot. He cherished his family and enjoyed wintering in Ocala, FL with his wife, Julie, and his dogs. He especially loved building things and was well known for his big projects and “go big or go home” attitude. From large construction to furniture and everything in between, every project Paul worked on was always done to perfection. Paul loved the Lord and found peace in Christ his Savior and shared God and Jesus with others. He shared his faith with every medical professional that helped him along his cancer treatments. He wanted everyone around him to know life is fragile and Jesus loves you, so be ready to meet Him.
Paul leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 42 years, Julie Ann Hickman. Also surviving are their children: Ashley (Reggie) Phillips of Chester, VA and Hunter Anthony (Ashley) Hickman of Galion; grandchildren: Hudson, Sawyer, Annabelle, and Elyse Phillips and Ryiah and Ezekiel Hickman; his brothers: Larry (LeaAnna) Hickman of Marion and Noel (Vianey) Hickman of Nashville, TN; father-in-law: Rev. John Hickman of Dublin; brother-in-law: Mark (Anne) Hickman of Reynoldsburg; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James & Evajean Hickman; sister, Ruth Anderson; mother-in-law, June Hickman; and nephews, Grant, Kent, and Garrett Hickman.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, June 17, 2024 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10 am at Real Life Nazarene Church, 777 Fairview Avenue, Galion, Ohio with his son and son-in-law officiating. Burial will follow in Sandusky Township Cemetery on Biddle Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Avita Home Health & Hospice (https://avitahomehealth.org/donate/).
To view Paul’s Tribute Video, click here: Dr. Paul Anthony Hickman Tribute Video
Dear Julie and family. I’m so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Not sure if you remember me or Julie, but just wanted you to know you and your family are in our prayers. Love, Fred and Edna Karnes
Paul was lifelong friend of mine. We shared many adventures together. He was always a phone call away, and I could count on him to offer guidance and wisdom to whatever needed talked about. His talent and desire to finish a project and do it right the first time was a true inspiration. He’s dedication to his teaching career and all the people he has impacted, is truly amazing. A loving husband, father, and devoted close personal friend. I’ll miss you, Paul. Thanks for staying by me all these years. I will always remember you! To the Hickman family, what a blessing to have had such a wonderful man in your lives. May God be with you all during your time of loss.
Julie& Family,
Want to let you know our Love and Celebration of Paul’s life is for you and your family for what your faith and testament in Jesus Christ stood for! And how you both shared it in all you done. We send our love and prayers in remembrance of Him to our Father! In the short time of our friendship we become to love you dearly.
The Wolfes
Bill and Barbara
Paul wore his heart on his sleeve. Loved witnessing him worship the Lord even while battling the cancer he was facing. True testimony of a good and faithful servant. It was an honor to know you sir. Prayers for Julie & his loved ones during this time of grief.
What an accomplished gentleman and loving family man. I pray his wife, children, and grandchildren can take comfort in their memories and in the faith they shared with him.
With deepest sympathy,
Beth Huddleston
On behalf of Joe Carlisle Sr, please accept our deepest condolences.
I am sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Paul & I were grade school friends and part of the “neighborhood gang”, playing football, baseball,etc in his backyard. I spent the night at Paul’s house many times. God bless Paul & his family.
Sincerely,
Dana
Julie and family. I am so sorry and shocked at the loss of your husband and father. May
You all remember the great times together to help you soften the loss of a wonderful husband and father. God bless.
Dawn Maybaugh and family
Julie, Hunter and rest of the family
Chris and I are so sorry for the loss of Paul he was such a kind man from what we knew of him we are praying for you all during this difficult time
So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing, he was a great neighbor. Keeping all of the family in thoughts and prayers.
Gene
I was so sorry to read of Paul’s passing! He was a classmate of mine at Shelby, a gentle and sweet guy. Julie, Ashley & Hunter, you have our deepest sympathy. From your neighbors down the road – the Finnegans
What a great time I always had with Paul. We shared many stories while watching the Crawford baseball games. His generosity was overwelming as he gave a car to our daughter Cindi and never said another word about it, as she was going to a divorce. It was fun to talk with Paul about his bikes and your travels on them. We are so fortunate to have known him. God bless and comfort you and we have you in our prayers. So long Paul see you later!
Julie,
I was so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I knew he had not been doing well for some time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family.
From an early age, I knew Paul as a person of integrity. Though we did not remain close, this list of accomplishments reinforces that. Having touched so many lives over the years, Paul leaves quite a legacy. I share in a small way the grief his passing means to his family.
Julie and Family. Please know we are praying for you all. Paul left us too early but not without memories and a legacy. It is written that a man’s gift will make a way for him, and that is certainly true of Paul. He succeeded in so many ways and endeavors, but his greatest success and legacy was his faith in Christ. A Faith he passed on to his family and many others. The joy we have is that he is with the Lord and we shall see him again.
With Love,
Don and Carolyn Wake
Julie and Family, so very sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family peace, comfort and wonderful memories in the coming days. Joyce Barnes
Dear Julie and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Paul’s passing. I am keeping you in my prayers.
Julie and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you during your time of loss. May God comfort and encourage you while you grieve. The good news is that Paul has realized what Fanny Crosby wrote, “I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side, and His smile will be the first to welcome me.” All of this world’s pain and suffering are gone as he beholds the beauty of his Lord snd Savior. Our sure hope is that we will see Paul again, and he will have that same peaceful, contented grin, but with a new body.
Mike and Jackie Hartz
I’m so sorry for your loss we grew up back yards from each other my maiden was one of the Bonnett kids Cindy and I are the only siblings that are alive I will keep you in my prayers feel free to chat with me if u like
Julie
Don and I were very saddened to hear that Paul had passed away. We were so blessed to have met you folks and we really enjoyed our time with you all during our short stay in Ocala FL. We enjoyed hearing Paul’s stories including his love of flying. It was in those conversations that we learned so much about him and about you. I don’t know if our paths will cross again but thank you again for blessing our lives. Don and Paula