Obituary of Donald Ray Hickey

Donald “Don” Ray Hickey passed away peacefully on October 28, 2024. Don was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was born in Tipton, Oklahoma on November 25th, 1937, and spent his life profoundly devoted to the family he created with his wife and best friend of 66 years, Mary Hickey. After receiving his degree from Southern Oklahoma State University, Don brought his love of children and infectious smile to Oklahoma schools in the communities of Ardmore, Dickson, and Madill. He retired in 2001, finishing up his career teaching third grade in Madill, Oklahoma. From that point on, Don’s schedule opened up to pursue his many interests including time with family, fishing, duck hunting, playing dominoes, and watching the local squirrel population in his immaculate yard. A lover of the outdoors, he maintained a fishing boat at the Ardmore Club Lake for over 60 years and was often seen taking it out to give the bass and catfish there a run for their money. Don was a jack of all trades and an incredibly handy person to have around. He knew how to fix things himself and could make almost anything out of wood. Don built the house at the Ardmore Club Lake where he and Mary raised their children for thirteen years. The house is still standing, as Don never used one nail when there was room for a dozen. He was skilled at card games and board games. Ever the teacher, Don, known to the grandkids as Papaw, taught each of his five grandchildren to play checkers with patience and care. After an initial learning curve period, where the children gained false confidence, they were rarely able to beat him again. He was a true expert. Don excelled at games as much as he enjoyed them and spent many holiday evenings playing poker and the dominoes game Moon with his family after the turkey was long gone. He is already deeply missed and remains dearly loved. He was preceded in death by his parents Lillian and James B. Hickey, as well as his three siblings, Jim Hickey, Jerry Hickey, and Carol-Ann Drown. He is survived by his devoted wife and constant companion Mary Hickey and their three children, Carrie Goddard, Mark Hickey, and Mindy Landis. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Katie Dodd, Jenny Goddard-Garcia, Adam Hickey, Mary Landis, and Jackson Landis, as well as one great-grandchild, Penelope Dodd. Don leaves behind a legacy of warmth and joy. The family has chosen to honor his memory with a small family service.