Wayne E. Hicks

Wayne Hicks, 91, a native of South Bend, IN, peacefully went to meet his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 10, 2018.    The son of Duel and Jewel (Marks) Hicks, Wayne attended Riley High School before serving on three Navy ships traveling throughout the Atlantic Ocean during World War II.   He returned home and married Avanelle “Toots” Paul on December 2, 1945.

After working for Studebaker and local car dealerships, Toots and Wayne opened Globe Auto Sales in 1976, which they owned until their retirement in 1991.  They were faithful members of Calvary Temple where Wayne served as a deacon and usher for many years. He also played many string instruments for church services and had a passion for Gospel music. Wayne was part of the Calvary Temple bowling team, a hobby he enjoyed well into his eighties. 

Wayne was the patriarch of a loving and close-knit family with whom he shared his faith and his love of automobiles, music, sweets, and bowling. Wayne and Toots raised four children: Nancy (Dan) Bone of South Bend, IN; Errett (Judi Smith) Hicks of South Bend, IN; Paul (Nora) Hicks of Mishawaka, IN: and Melayha (Matt) Fluke of Eureka, CA.  He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Dawn (Rhett) Keiser, Wendy Polotto, Jason Hicks, Julie (Brad) Allison, Amy (Michael) Bunn, and Jennifer (Mike) Pflugner, all of South Bend, IN.

Wayne enjoyed family gatherings with all of the extended family including 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Russ Hicks; a daughter-in-law, Sue (Beron) Hicks; and a great-great-grandson, Stanley Gilbert. 

Visitation will be held at Palmer Funeral Home -Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, on Thursday, March 15, from 4:00 -7:00 p.m.,  Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 16, at Southgate Church, 3717 S. Michigan St., where visitation will also be from 10:00 - 11:00 am. Graveside services and burial with military honors will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be offered to Southgate Church Missions.  Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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