Harlin "Leon" Hicks - Apr 15, 2018

Harlin “Leon” Hicks, 74 of Columbia, formerly of Moberly, died Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Boone Hospital in Columbia. He was born January 18, 1944 in Cairo, MO to the late Harlin N. and Edith (Baker) Hicks.

Leon served his country in the U.S. Army before receiving an honorable discharge. Prior to retirement Leon worked at Lucent as a phone installer. He married Jerri McCormick Walden on December 13, 2012 and she survives of the home. Also surviving are his daughter, Jennifer Ballenger and her husband Danny of Centerview, MO, step- children; Lane Gillaspie of Lake Ozark, Jami McKee of Dallas, TX and Jana Kenney of Columbia, three grandchildren; Tyler, Kaylea and Keaghan Rodgers, two step-grandchildren, Chance Calloway and Ava Kenney, three brothers; Johnny Hicks and his wife Barbara of Clark, Charles Hicks and his wife Bonnie of Moberly and Randy Hicks and his wife Penny of Cairo, four sisters; Beverly Coureton of Moberly, Wanda Mathis of Cairo, Nadine Pastrovich of Overland Park, KS and Bobbi Smith and her husband Dean of Cairo, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Leon loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He also loved to do yardwork and being outdoors. He was a quiet man, with a great sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the Jacksonville Assistants League would be appreciated.

Services honoring and celebrating Leon's life were held at the Cater Funeral Home Chapel. Committal prayers, burial and Military Honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.