EAST FISHKILL - Raymond Earl Hickman, Jr., 83, a lifelong area resident, died on February 2, 2019 at his home.
Born on Mother’s Day in Beacon on May 11, 1935, he was the son of Raymond E. Hickman Sr. and Pearl (Dotterer) Hickman. He grew up on the family dairy farm, Meadowmere Farm and worked full time until joining Texaco continuing to work part time until the farm was sold. Ray was employed as a Master Lab Technician at Texaco Research Center in Beacon for almost 40 years when he retired in 1994. Ray also enjoyed helping at the Jackson Bros. Farm where he developed lifelong friendships.
Raymond loved to work whether it was on the farm, mowing lawns, cutting firewood, or working in his vegetable garden. In his spare time he did woodworking creating many toys for his grandchildren and pen and pencil sets for their high school graduation gifts. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do, make or fix. He enjoyed deer hunting on the farm every fall and for many years was a member of DeerSearch with his dachshunds Cole and Lindy. There wasn’t anything he loved better than tramping through swamps at night with the dogs hot on the trail of a wounded deer.
Ray was a charter and life member of the Wiccopee Fire Company which he helped build. He held many offices over the years. He had also been a member of the East Fishkill Rescue Squad. He was a life member of the Whortlekill Rod & Gun Club, and a property owner member of the East Fishkill Gun Club. An avid dart ball player, he was also a member of the Wiccopee Grange, Deer Search and Dachshund Club.
In January 1955 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, Ray married Ruth (Egenberger) who predeceased him on January 11, 2011. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Ruthann and Francis Daino, Steven and Darla Hickman, and Susan and Jeffrey Peni; also survived by his grandchildren and he was so proud of all of them: Justin and Katie Daino, Corbin Daino, Steven Hickman, Emily and Patrick Ryan, and Jeffrey and Tammi Peni; his great-grandchildren, Olivia Ryan, Carter Ryan, Sophia Peni, Adalynn Peni, and Jacob Daino; his sisters-in-law, Penny Hickman, Dianne Hickman and Frances Sawtelle; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his wife and parents, he was also predeceased by his siblings, Audrey Merritt, Donald Hickman and Edward Hickman; and his brother-in-law, Robert Merritt.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc. 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 10am at the Wiccopee Community United Methodist Church, 7 Old Grange Road, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in Fishkill Rural Cemtery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wiccopee Fire Company or the Wiccopee Community United Methodist Church. Please visit Ray’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.