JOSEPH HICKS

ESSEX -- Joseph E. Hicks, 72, of Essex, died Monday, June 24, 1996, in Dexter.

He was born Oct. 29, 1923, in Charter Oak, daughter of Joseph E. and Agnes Chattin Hicks. He and Edith C. Cowin were married Feb. 8, 1947, at Gray Ridge.

Hicks lived most of his life in the Essex area. He was a retired heavy equipment operator, and attended First Baptist Church. He was a member of Dexter Disabled American Veterans 47.

He served with the Conservation Commission Corps in the 1930s, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; six sons, Harold Hicks of Cape Girardeau, C.E. "Eddie" Hicks of Dexter, Freddie Hicks of Fruitland, Mike Hicks of Fairmont, Minn., Mark Hicks of Poplar Bluff, Gary Hicks of Jackson; two daughters, Phyllis Lemons and Freda Cox of Dexter; two brothers, James Hicks of Homestead, Fla., Clifford Hicks of Essex, and 11 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter.

Friends may call at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ronnie Ledbetter officiating. Burial will be in Chalk Bluff Cemetery near Dexter.