Alfred Eugene “Gene” Hickman, age 95, entered his eternal home on June 10, 2026, at the age of 95 at Twin Rivers Rehabilitation and Health Center. Gene was born on January 29, 1931, in Texarkana, Arkansas, to Effie Dell Blackwood and Alfred Bryan Hickman. He attended first grade at Alpine and second through eighth grade at Okolona, Arkansas.
At the tender age of 15, Gene joined the Army Air Force in 1946. He served at Davis-Monthan Field in Arizona, working in the storage and issuance of ammunition, including bombs, and assisted in their destruction. His parents eventually brought him home. In 1948, Gene joined the Navy. His service included stations at USNTC San Diego, California; BuNavPers in Washington, DC; USS Macon (CA-132); and USNH Portsmouth, Virginia. During his Navy service, he met and married Annie Lee Smith, whom he described as the prettiest girl in Arkadelphia. They shared 62 years of marriage until her passing in 2011. They were blessed with one son and three daughters.
Gene began a refrigeration repair business early in life. He later became a member of the IBEW Local 295 and worked until his retirement in 1993.
Gene was a faithful servant of God. Following the devastating tornado on March 1, 1997, that damaged the Assembly of God church in Arkadelphia, he donated many months of his time to help rebuild it alongside other men.
He was a devoted husband, loving father, and grandfather who loved the Lord, his family, and lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop, gardening, hunting with family, and playing his guitar for residents at nursing homes and churches in Clark County.
In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his son Larry Hickman Sr. (Johnette), grandson Richard “Richie” Hickman, sisters Gladys Henderson, Mary Punte-Banning, and Nadine Farmer, and brothers Milbren Hickman (Marjorie), Troy Steele (Shirley), and Marion Lee Steele (Lois).
Gene is survived by his daughters: Wanda Smithpeters (Don), Kay Welch Whatley (Johnny), June Jester Wolfe (Mike); brother Leo Steele (Betty); sisters Mary Venable (John), Judy Pate (Roy), Julia Imler (Billy); daughter-in-law, Johnette Hickman grandchildren Chris Smithpeters (Angela), Amy Masey, Erin Cathey (Casey), Joseph Jester, Laron Welch, Tonya Quarequio (Michael), Wayne Canady (Marilyn), Liz Gaither, Larry Hickman Jr., Johnathon Hickman, Nikie Hickman and AJ Wolfe; 22 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed, but comfort is found in knowing he is healed and at home with his Lord and Savior.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday June 12, 2026, at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time.
Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.
Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book and view the memorial tribute.