In Memory
This eternal flame burns forever
in remembrance of Darrel Gene Hicklin
Darrel Gene Hicklin
March 25, 1948 - June 8, 2026
Darrel Gene Hicklin, age 78, of Benton, Arkansas,
went home to be with
his Lord and Savior on June 8, 2026, passing away peacefully
at home
surrounded by his loving family. Known
simply as "Gene" to his wife,
immediate family, and close friends, and
fondly remembered as "Uncle
Darrel" by his nieces and nephews,
he was a man of fierce
independence, stubborn resolve, and deep
devotion.
Born on March 25, 1948, in Webb City,
Missouri, to Harold Clarence
Hicklin and Dollie Ellen Ethridge
Hicklin, Gene carried himself with a
proud, self-reliant spirit throughout
his 78 years. He honorably served his
country in the United States Air Force. Later in life, he carried his status as
a veteran with great pride, embodying
the grit and discipline of his service
years in everything he did. He was a
pillar of strength for his family,
always ensuring those he loved were
secure, protected, and grounded in
the Lord. In his final days, he faced
his physical challenges with the same
quiet dignity and spiritual peace that
characterized his entire life,
remaining sharp, perceptive, and deeply
grateful for the presence of his
loved ones.
Central to Gene's life was his
unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Led to his
faith by his beloved wife, SuRita, Gene
became a deeply devoted
Christian. Together, he and SuRita
poured that foundation into their
children, raising them in a loving
Christian home where faith was always
the center of the family. Following
retirement, Gene and SuRita shared a
grand adventure as avid RVers, traveling
the highways together and
successfully visiting all 50 states.
Above all else, Gene was a dedicated
family man. He leaves behind his
beloved wife and partner in faith and
adventure, SuRita. He was an
incredibly proud father to his sons,
Darren and wife Meghan, and Mitch.
His legacy of love and faith lives on
through his cherished grandchildren,
Lizzie, Katie, Mady, and Mack, who
brought immense joy and light to his
life.
He was preceded in death by his parents;
his two sisters, Kathryn Ellen
Highley and Carol Lou Carr; and his
brother, Harold Joseph Hicklin.
Gene genuinely loved the simple
pleasures of life: a meaningful one-on-
one conversation with a close friend or
fellow member of New Life Baptist
Church, and the beautiful chaos of
having his immediate family gathered
together in one room. After years of
exploring the country, he was
happiest just leaning back at home,
listening to the laughter and stories of
his children and grandchildren swirling
around him.
The family wishes to extend their
deepest gratitude to Hospice Home Care
for their compassionate and dedicated
support, allowing Gene to spend
his final moments in the comfort and
peace of his own home.
Arrangements are under the care of Ashby
Funeral Home in Benton. A
memorial service and celebration of Gene's
life, faith, and adventures will
be held June 20, 2026
at 4:00 p.m. at New Life Baptist Church 10765
Samples Rd. Alexander, AR.
In honor of his stubborn and practical
nature, the family asks that you
remember him not in his frailty, but as
the strong, independent man of
God he always was.
Though He's gone, He is not forgotten.
Though absent, He remains in spirit.
Though once a worker, He now rests.
by The Arkansas Good Sams
Click here To Return to The Arkansas
Good Sams page
or
Click here To Return to The Memorials Page
Questions, Corrections, Comments:
Webmaster Joy Godwin
email Joy
Visitors
size=1 width="100%" align=center>