William Elmer Hicks, age 96, of Manhattan, passed away peacefully with his loving wife at his side on Sunday, Feb. 8, at Silver Cross Hospital, New Lenox.

Bill is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 77 years Dolores “Dolly” (nee Sully) Hicks, his son Jeffrey (Rebecca) Hicks, and his sister Betty (Donald) Crabbe. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Leona (nee Alstott) Hicks, his sister and brother-in-law, Juanita and Robert Delzell, and his parents-in-law, John and Lenora (nee Murray) Sully.

William was born at home on Mohawk Street in Joliet. He attended Culbertson Grade School, graduated from Joliet Township High Schoo, Class of ’47, and Joliet Junior College. After high school, William married Dolly on August 8, 1948. He secured a position at Commonwealth Edison, where he retired as Senior Marketing Engineer in 1988.

William served his country with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He attained the rank of corporal and was an Intelligence Analyst, attending Counterintelligence School in Baltimore, MD. William was an excellent marksman, attaining High Expert Rifleman, Girand Rifle #10.

William was not one to sit idle; he built two of his homes and finished the one where he and his wife currently resided in Ranch Oaks, Manhattan. William was a talented musician and played the guitar, banjo and mandolin. He was also a talented wood worker and carver, and was a member of the Will County Wood Chiselers and the National Wood Carvers Association. He carved many pieces, including carousel animals and a life-size horse.

He was also a member of the Elks Lodge #296 and the Wright ‘B’ Flyers. William had his pilot’s license and loved flying; he flew his solo at Lewis University. He also had a few Harley motorcycles which he enjoyed riding over the years.

Bill and Dolly have been longtime members of the Will County Farm Bureau and active in the Will County PrimeTimers programs for many years.

A loving husband, father, brother and friend; he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in William’s name to the charity of your choice would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.