Melvin Martin Hickman

Melvin Martin Hickman, age 87, grew up on a farm in Limerick, Ohio. He lived, worked and raised his family in Jackson, Ohio and passed away on October 21, 2023 at the Bluebird Retirement Community in London, Ohio Known by those that knew him best as “Mel,” “Dad” and “Grandpa,” he lived a life that reflected kindness, good humor and a love for his family and people. Mel grew up helping on his family farm and had his first job while in high school. He started working for Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric Company (AEP Southern Ohio) in 1970 where he later retired as an engineering technician. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church (now Christ Church) and loved worshipping there and attending men’s brotherhood breakfasts. Mel was also known as “Lion Mel,” having been a member of Jackson Lion’s Club for over 30 years. He took his Lion Mel role seriously, volunteering on holiday flag duty, Cracker Jack and broom fundraisers and working in the club’s Apple Festival booth. The club honored him as Lion of the Year for 2006-2007, and Lion’s International named him a Life Member in 2015. His hobbies included driving a hobby stock race car in his early years, and later golf, playing acoustic guitar, traveling, and spending time with his family. Mel loved a family celebration of any sort, and whether it was a holiday, birthday, or attending programs and games for the grand or great grand kids, he was at his best in those times. He loved telling stories, and even in the last few weeks of his life he would always end phone calls and visits with “oh, let me tell you about this time. . .” When his wife Charlotte became ill, Mel left his Jackson life behind to move to assisted living to be with her. He focused almost exclusively on her well-being, promising her when she passed that he’d see her again soon. As he always was a keeper of his promises, he’s with her now and his family has peace knowing that they are together again. In addition to his wife Charlotte, Mel was preceded in death by his parents Darrell and Dorothy Hickman and an infant brother Harlan. Mel is survived by daughters Julia Brakenbury (Kenneth), Cheryl Taylor (Phil), and Gretchen Nelson (Brian); his grandchildren Christopher Brakenbury (Peggy Anderson) and Adam Brakenbury (Olivia); his step grandchildren Meghen Sanders and Chris Taylor (Jill); his great grandchildren June and Benjamin Brakenbury; and his step great grandchildren Adeline and Bryson Sanders and Jack and Lois Taylor. He is also survived by his brothers Darrell William (“Billy”), Carroll and Don Hickman. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home, with a graveside service and burial to be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at Little Mound Cemetery in Richmond Dale, Ohio with Rev. Janie Karl officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Christ Church, 150 Portsmouth St, Jackson, Ohio 45640 and/or Jackson Lions Club, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Ohio 45640. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com

Melvin Martin Hickman

August 5, 1936 - October 21, 2023