Herbert Donald

Hicks Jr

Chief Petty Officer Herbert Donald Hicks, Jr., U.S. Navy, of East Earl, Pennsylvania passed away January 17, 2022, surrounded by family.

Herbert ("Herb") was born on July 22, 1959, in Sant-Jean, France to Herbert Donald Hicks, Sr., and Maureen Eleanor Wade. As a child of a military family, Herb along with his brother and sisters, Cindy, David, and Debbie, spent much of his childhood in various mid-Atlantic and southeastern cities. By the time he reached high school age, his travels had taken him to Waycross, Georgia, where he met and courted the love of his life, Merrie Anne McQuaig. He graduated from Ware County Senior High School in 1978. Prior to graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy under the delayed entry program. Upon graduating, he reported for active duty on July 7, 1978, and was deployed to Memphis, Tennessee to attend Aviation School. He was then stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia at Naval Air Station Oceana. Herbert and Merrie were married on March 24, 1979, in Waycross, Georgia. On August 9, 1980, they welcomed their son, Brook, into the world. Herb was honorably discharged from his Naval service on July 6, 1981, and went on to work in management at M&M Supermarket in Savannah, Georgia for 8 years. On April 5, 1983, Herb and Merrie welcomed daughter, Beckie, into the world. On November 18, 1986, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Britnie. Herb reenlisted into active duty with the U.S Navy on March 9, 1989, and was again stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia at Naval Air Station Oceana. He completed seven 6-month deployments and an 11-month tour in Japan. Herb loved working on the F-14 Fighter Jet and knew the mechanics of the aircraft better than anyone. He was saddened by the retirement of the F-14 in September of 2006 and the switchover to the F-18. On February 29, 2008, after serving his country for 22 and a half years, Herb retired from the U.S Navy as a Chief Petty Officer.

Herb's dedication to his country and his commitment to his position awarded him three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, eight Navy and Marine Achievement Medals, six Good Conduct Medals, Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, Armed Forces Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Nato Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Navy E, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, two Global War on Terrorism Service Medals,10 Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Navy and Marine Overseas Service, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Breast Insignia, and a Naval Reservist Meritorious Service Medal.

Herb was described by his loved ones and friends as a strong, sacrificial, compassionate servant, consistently generous, honorable, lovable, a source of peace, hard-working, intentional, chain-breaker, overachiever, "very tall", car wizard.

Herbert and Merrie landed in Knotts Island, NC, and begin establishing roots for their family. They started attending Back Bay Christian Assembly in 1989. As their children grew so did their love for the Lord and their community. In 1996 God provided a piece of property where they designed and built their first home. During the seven years in which they served as youth leaders, at Back Bay, it was not uncommon to find thirty-plus teenagers at the house at any given time. Their house was known as a safe place for many of the young community kids. As of recent Herb and Merrie attended Edgewood Assembly of God in Maryland where he served on the board.

Merrie was the love of his life and he always said "she can't keep her hands off me".  She called him her "short, dark, handsome man" but he frequently asked his family, "have you noticed that I am getting taller". Herbert and Merrie loved to travel, taking cruises together, the latest was for their 40th anniversary. They also enjoyed summer vacations with their whole family. After his retirement, Herbert and Merrie took getaway trips to Cape May, NJ to walk the beach, and find seafood to eat. They truly loved each other and lived out a Godly marriage that is a great source of inspiration to their children.

He loved watching sports with his sons and grandsons and had a special affinity for the Georgia Bulldogs. He was able to listen to the Bulldogs win the National Championship with his family just days before his passing. He was a devoted man who loved Jesus and his family. His laugh could brighten any room and will be very missed.

Herb excelled in his career and sought after the Lord with all his heart, but the fuel for his fire was his family. He had a drive to protect, to guide, and to provide for each and every need they ever had. He always tried to make himself available to them so that he could spend time and impart knowledge. He always found a way to make each of his loved ones feel safe, accepted, and protected. He never fell short when it came to fatherhood. His grandchildren cherished every minute they got with him up until the very last. It was a gift from God to see him soak up hugs and kisses from his grandbabies. He had a way of making everyone laugh, even without words. He used the knowledge he gained throughout life to guide each one of his family in a way that honored God. He was the best there ever was and will always be; he set the bar exceptionally high.

Herb was an exceptional sailor, husband, father, Papa, and friend who will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Merrie Hicks; son, Brook Hicks; two daughters, Beckie Cali and Britnie Gardiner; Daughter-in-law, Courtney Hicks; Sons-in-law, Joe Cali, and Michael Gardiner; grandchildren Addyson Hicks, Carter Cali, Kole Cali, Tucker Hicks, Kinsley Cali, Sybil Gardiner, Coraline Cali, Keene Gardiner, Cami Cali; Father, Herbert Donald Hicks Sr.; Stepmother Francis Hicks; Mother, Maureen Wade; Sisters, Cindy Guidry, and Debbie Currin; Brother, David Hicks; Stepsisters, Patti Strohecker, and Chris Wade; Half-brother, Michael Wade; Stepbrother  Kenny Rogers.

The family will receive friends at Lighthouse Assembly Of God 105 Earland Dr., New Holland, PA 17557 on January 25, 2022, from 9:00-10:00 AM. A service to celebrate Herb's life will begin at 10:00 AM. Interment, with full military honors, to follow at 2:00 PM located at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, PA 17003. In lieu of floral arrangements, Merrie and her family request green potted plants.