Bennie Dewain Hickman, 64, of Beaumont, died Friday, December 19th, 2008 at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Bennie was a native of Alexandria, Louisiana, but had resided in Beaumont since 1972.
Bennie played baseball as a left-handed pitcher at McNeese State College in Lake Charles, Louisiana, while pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at McNeese, he met his wife of 44 years, Matilda (Tillie) Emaline Coffey. After graduation, he served as a Captain in the United States Army, including tours in Germany and Viet Nam, where he was awarded a Bronze Star. After returning from Viet Nam, he enrolled in Louisiana State University and subsequently received a degree in Civil Engineering.
He went to work for Gulf States Utility Company (later Entergy) and retired from Entergy in 2002, after 30 years of service. He then worked as a senior consultant at LEAP Engineering, LLC where he remained engaged in the practice of engineering until his recent battle with cancer.
Bennie had a genuine interest in education and was active on the board of the Beaumont Public Schools Foundation and on both the CUAC and the Citizens Advisory Board for the current BISD bond project. He mentored underprivileged children through the “I Have a Dream” program and encouraged them to excel, just as he always encouraged his own children. He frequently volunteered at Odom Academy where he chaperoned dances and drove trucks in parades. Bennie was a Boy Scout master, president of both the local American Association of Civil Engineering and the Beaumont Wood Workers Association. He was involved in Kaleidoscope and Boom Days festivals, serving as chairman of garbage and security. He served on the board of directors of the Edison Museum and as Deacon and Elder at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
Bennie was preceded in death by his mother, Maverine Bagwell Hickman; and his father, Bennie Hickman, both of Alexandria, Louisiana.
Bennie is survived by his wife of 44 years, Tillie Hickman; his children and their spouses, son, Robert Coffey Hickman and his wife Shawn Berger Hickman of Beaumont; daughter, Dr. Robin Hickman Fogle and her husband Dr. Evander Fletcher Fogle of Atlanta; granddaughters, Abigail Elizabeth Hickman and Emaline Coffey Hickman of Beaumont; grandsons, Evander Fletcher Fogle, II, and Alexander Hickman Fogle of Atlanta; his brother, Grady Ray Hickman and wife Judi Parr Hickman of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and nieces Heather Hickman Boger of Mountain View, California, and Hailey Hickman Foretich of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
When not working as a civil engineer or involved in his many volunteer activities, Bennie enjoyed spending time at the beach, kayaking, fishing at Rollover Pass, golfing, woodworking, debating politics and riding his bike. He was an inspiration to family and friends alike and left a lasting impression on all he touched. Our “gentle giant” will be sorely missed and always loved.
A gathering of friends and family will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, December 21, 2008. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2008 at the Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Beaumont Public Schools Foundation, 3395 Harrison, Beaumont, TX 77706.
