Colonel Gerald J. (Gerry) Hickman, USAF Retired, died on August 30, 2017 in Cypress, Texas. He was born on August 21, 1931 in Marsden, Arkansas, to John Roscoe Hickman and Mattie Johnson Hickman. He was married to the light of his life, Ann, for almost sixty-three years. He was the beloved father of one daughter, Kelly Ann, esteemed father-in law to Christopher Price, and a truly cherished grandfather to Ryan Christopher Gerald Price and Kyle John David Price.

Gerry received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He earned a Master's Degree, Summa Cum Laude, at Boston University. He also graduated from Squadron Officers School, the Armed Forces Joint Staff College, and the National War College, where he was named Outstanding Graduate.

Serving in the United States Air Force for twenty-six years, Gerry was the former Air Force Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Head of Public Affairs for NATO Air Forces, Headquarters United States Air Forces Europe, and the Air Materiel Command. As a navigator, he logged more than 6,500 flying hours. Beginning in 1965, he held two positions in Vietnam. He handled combat news for the Air Force, and also flew 130 combat missions with an air commando squadron.

Gerry retired from active duty in 1980 to accept a position as Director of Public Affairs with Gulf Oil Corporation. Making Houston their permanent home, he and Ann volunteered in numerous capacities. Gerry served as a board member for Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Theater Under the Stars, Cypress Creek Emergency Medical Service, and the Northwest Chamber of Commerce.

Gerry accepted the position of Vice President of Public Affairs for Control Data Corporation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In less than a year, he resigned from Control Data to become Senior Vice President at Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc. in New York City. While with Seagram, he became a member of the board of the national Public Affairs Council. Hoping to get back to Texas, Gerry became the Executive Vice President of the Texas Medical Center.

In 1988 Gerry realized his dream of founding his own firm, specializing in public and government relations and grassroots lobbying. By the time he retired, the firm operated in Washington, DC and thirty-seven states, and employed sixty associates.

In retirement Ann and Gerry traveled extensively, visiting all fifty states and about one hundred countries on every continent except Antarctica. He remained active in politics, and enjoyed writing, photography, genealogy, gardening and grandsons! He was an avid reader, life-long scholar, wonderful husband, incredible father and grandfather, and dear friend to many. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.