Robert D. “Bob” Hickman, 68, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Hospice House of Reno County, Hutchinson, Kansas from complications of cancer.
Bob was born in Greeley, Colorado on December 15, 1956, to C.J. (Jim) and Shirley D. (Delbridge) Hickman. He spent the early years of his life growing up with his siblings on a cattle ranch in Keota, Colorado which cultivated the beginning of his lifelong interest in nature. His family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1967.
Bob and his brother joined the Boy Scouts in elementary school in Grover, Colorado. Both of his parents were scout leaders for their troops. Bob was an Eagle Scout with a distinction of Order of the Arrow. He was a camp counselor at Ben Delatour Scout Ranch, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. The summer before high school graduation, Bob was also a camp counselor at Treasure Mountain Boy Scout Camp in Driggs, Idaho which marked a capstone to his time in scouting.
After finishing high school, Bob moved to Kansas to attend Sterling College. Bob graduated from Sterling College in 1979. Thereafter, he moved to Hutchinson and attended MICT school through Hutchinson Hospital.
Bob would meet his future wife, Geri Rietcheck, at the Hutchinson Hospital where she worked. They married on July 30, 1988 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Hutchinson. The couple began their life together in Bob’s home on the outskirts of Hutchinson with his dog, Al, who shared Bob’s even disposition. Within a few years the family was joined by two children. Bob held a variety of safety and environmental jobs. He retired from KFSA where his client was Mid Kansas Coop.
Bob was a gifted storyteller, amateur astronomer, light-hearted humorist, and unofficial family historian. He was a lifelong learner, avid reader of National Geographic magazine, and knowledgeable conversationalist complemented by a subtle wit and good-natured disposition. Bob was often one of the smartest guys in the room although it would be difficult to recognize from his unassuming nature and easygoing presence.
Bob is survived by: his wife of over 37 years, Geri of Hutchinson; daughter, Emily Hickman of Denver, CO; son, Ryan Hickman of Lawrence; sister, Joyce, Abrames of Tampa, FL; brother, James “Bill” Hickman of Loveland, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Deborah Hickman.
Memorial Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson with Father Jerome Spexarth officiating. Private inurnment will take place in Linn Grove Cemetery, Greeley, CO. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Bob was a good man. He was well loved by his family and well respected by his friends and colleagues. His departure is especially heavy and deeply felt by his family. Godspeed, Bob and rest well.