Francis G. Hickey's Obituary
Francis G. “Franny” Hickey, 89, of Decatur formerly of Springfield, living with his loving wife Frances in the home of their daughter and son-in-law, died Tuesday, May 9, 2006, at home.
Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am Friday May 12, 2006 in Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, where visitation will be one hour before services; with the Rev. James Fanale and The Very Rev. James O’Shea celebrating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Springfield. Memorials may be given in Franny’s name to St. Thomas Church or St. John’s Hospice. Moran & Goebel Funeral Home is assisting the Hickey family with these arrangements.
Franny was born on March 18, 1917 in New Berlin, IL, to Michael Joseph and Nora Agnes Sullivan Hickey. He married Frances Elizabeth Davis on June 21, 1946, in Springfield. Franny retired as chief clerk for the Chessie System Railroad in 1976 after 41 years. He proudly served in the United States Army in World War II, from 1941 to 1945, as Chief Warrant Officer assigned to the 55th General Hospital in Malvern, England. Franny was a member of Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Decatur. He was a Past Grand Knight of Council #4283 of the Knights of Columbus Decatur, Illinois.
Franny is survived by his wife Frances and their children; daughter Colleen Hickey Medley and husband Jack Medley of Dalton City; daughter Janice Hickey Meyer and husband Fred Meyer of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and son Michael and wife Beverly Rainbolt Hickey of Las Vegas, NV. Other survivors include sister and brother -in- law Mary Evelyn and Fred Rechner of Springfield; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Bette Davis Keys and Ken Keys of Trinity, Texas; 3 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 16 nieces and nephews.
Franny was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 1 sister.
Franny cherished his family and friends, and we cherish our memories of him. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was everybody’s friend and he never met a person he didn’t like.
The family of Mr. Hickey would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff of St. John’s Hospice, especially care givers; Vicky White and Monica Ray, along with Dr. D. Patel.
You may view the online obituary and send condolences to the Hickey family: www.moranandgoebel.com
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