Harold Dean Wicker

Harold Dean Wicker, Abilene, Texas, died July 2, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family.  Services will be at First Baptist Church Abilene on Friday, July 6 at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Phil Christopher and Brad Helbert officiating.  Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends at a visitation at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road on Thursday, July 5 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Wicker was born in McCullough County in Hall, Texas to the late C.W. Wicker and Eunice Wicker on November 2, 1930.  He moved to Pecos, Texas with his parents at the age of six.  He graduated from Pecos High School in 1948.  He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1952 and received his Master’s Degree in 1958.  Then later received his Administration Degree from H-SU in 1962.  While at H-SU he was on the Inter-Collegiate Rodeo Team participating in the National Finals in Bull Dogging and Calf Roping.  It was at H-SU he met Patsy (Pat) Baxter.  Harold and Pat married on June 30, 1952 and later their lives were enriched with two daughters Tamela and Stefanie.

Mr. Wicker served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954 as a physical education instructor for the MP’S at the Presidio of San Francisco.  After the military time, he coached and taught in Rotan, Texas from 1954-1956.  He returned to Abilene in 1956.  He taught and coached at Bonham Elementary.  He became a Principal of Ben Milam in 1962.  Mr. Wicker was an elementary principal for AISD from 1956-1987 at Ben Milam, Houston, Lee and Jackson Elementary Schools.  He retired in 1987.  Mr. Wicker then worked for the West Texas Council of Government as a director of Special Services from 1987-1993.  Mr. Wicker was a 50+ year member of First Baptist Church and enjoyed every Sunday sitting on the same pew with all his family.  He was a past president of the Victory Men’s Bible Class.  He was a charter member and past president of the Evening Lions Club.  He was a 50+ year Mason and a member of John Sayles Masonic Lodge #1408, Scottish Rite Bodies as a 32nd degree Mason in Waco, Texas, and a Past Patron of Queen Esther #833 Eastern Star.  He was a member of Abilene Retired Teachers, Knickerbocher Dance Club, Key City Square Dance Club, and volunteered with RSVP.  He was a member of the Museum of the Horse in Ruidoso, New Mexico and a Charter member of the Carrizozo Lodge #41 in Lincoln, New Mexico. He served on the Abilene Teachers Credit Union Board for 31 years being President for many years.  The Board Room is named in his Honor.  He also served on the Expo Center Board.

Mr. Wicker enjoyed fishing and hunting with his family and also enjoyed playing golf. He enjoyed taking care of his farm in Jones Co. and ranch in McCullough Co. Harold felt so fortunate having all his family in Abilene so he could enjoy and watch his grandchildren many activities.  Harold and Pat traveled extensively on 21 cruises and to many countries. They also enjoyed their home in Ruidoso, New Mexico.  His favorite place and time were spent on his Deep Creek Ranch with Tamela and his grandsons, Todd and Shea. He was so proud of his daughters Tam and Stef.

Survivors include his loving wife and best friend of 66 years, Pat Wicker, two precious daughters and sons-in-laws, Tamela and Wayne Henington of Abilene and Stefanie and Bobby Easterling of Buffalo Gap.  Also was survived by four wonderful grandchildren Tracy Henington Holmes and Ryan, Todd Henington and Nicole, Shelby Easterling Kana and Trevor all of Abilene and Shea Easterling of Buffalo Gap.  He is survived by one brother Woody Wicker of Dallas, Texas and a brother-in-law Richard Baxter of Abilene.  He is also survived by his furry and faithful companion Sadie. 

The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of the Big Country.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Big Country or to the charity of your choice.