Rev. Robert C. Hicks | Minister, 87

Rev. Robert C. Hicks, 87, a Presbyterian minister who preached his last sermon only weeks ago, died of cancer Monday at Dock Woods Community in Lansdale.

A graduate of Haverford High School, Rev. Hicks served in the Navy during World War II. While stationed on the Great Lakes, he met his future wife, Dorothy Dagrud, in Chicago. He later served in the West Indies.

After his discharge, Rev. Hicks earned a bachelor's degree from Washington College in Chestertown, Md.; attended the Philadelphia College of the Bible and Moody Bible Institute in Philadelphia; studied theology at Temple University; and earned a master's degree in theology from the Princeton Theological Seminary.

After his ordination in 1954, Rev. Hicks became pastor at Olivet Presbyterian Church in Elkins Park. In 1965, he oversaw the merger of Olivet with another congregation in Elkins Park and became pastor of the new Olivet-Ashbourne Church. From 1969 until the late 1980s, he was pastor of Parkland Presbyterian Church in Bucks County.

Rev. Hicks was unpretentious and went bowling with members of his congregation, who called him Bob, his son Kenneth said.

After his retirement, Rev. Hicks served as interim pastor at the Seventh United Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and preached at several area churches, including Supplee Presbyterian Church in Maple Glen and Grace Bible Fellowship in Huntingdon Valley.

He enjoyed playing golf and following Philadelphia sports teams.

In addition to his wife of 64 years and son, Rev. Hicks is survived by another son, Robert Jr.; a sister, and three grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. tomorrow at the chapel at Dock Woods Community, Detweiler Road and Woods Drive, where friends may call after noon. Burial will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Prospectville.