Oscar T. Hicklin, Jr.
Oscar T. Hicklin, Jr. “Boppa”, 81 years young, left this life Saturday, June 27, 2009, to spend his eternal life in the arms of Jesus, his beloved Savior. As a lifelong resident of Springfield, Mo., he enjoyed a long career in the food industry and founded Hicklin Brokerage Company where he worked along side his father, Oscar T. Sr. and eventually his children, their spouses and even his grandchildren. Oscar was also well known throughout the area as a “high tenor” soloist and a member of “The Kingsmen Quartet” and other singing groups for many years, sharing his love of gospel music with many audiences. Although his passion for music was great, his passion for “Family” was even greater. Whether working side by side or just fishing, there was no interest unless “Family” was involved. Oscar was a long time member at Cornerstone Church where he passionately served as usher and Deacon. Born to Oscar T. and Agnes (Lillard) Hicklin on December 6, 1927, in Brighton, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, George R. Holloway; a brother-in-law, Marvin Sissel; and a nephew, Randy Sissel. He is survived by his wife and best friend for 62 years, Janus Lynn (Holloway) Hicklin and their three children and spouses: Terry and Pat Hicklin: Kathy and Thomas Ross, and Tammy and John Groves; mother-in-law, Gretta Holloway; and sister-in-law, Beverly Sissel; and her children; grandchildren, Betsy Leighty, Kim Simmons, Bonnie Hicklin, Jennifer and Jeremy Mhire, Justin and Brooke Simmons, T. J. and Ashley Ross, Katie Groves; great-grandchildren, Brandon Simmons, Clayton Leighty, Hailey and Isabelle Simmons, Vincent Mhire and looking forward to the birth of his namesake, Solomon T. Ross. Oscar T. Hicklin, Jr. will be greatly missed; however, his love for the Lord and his love for his “Family” will be cherished and passed down for generations to come. Funeral services will be held in Greenlawn South on Battlefield, Thursday, July 2 at 1 p.m. with burial to follow in White Chapel Cemetary. Visitation will be held at 12 noon before the funeral service “Husband, Dad and Boppa, we love you and we’ll see you later”.