Jack Keith Hicks, 90, of Marion, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2014, after a brief illness. Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at Marion Christian Church, Marion by Pastor Peter Mitchell. The family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Private inurnment will be held at Brooklyn Cemetery at a later date.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Norma; children, Laurie (Ron) Butler of Swisher, Steve (Deb) Hicks of Cedar Rapids, and Jo Ellyn Hook of Cedar Rapids; 5 grandchildren, Jacquie Butler, Bonnie Carter, Ashley Hicks, Casey and Mason Hook; 2 great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Miller and Isabella Shepherd; 3 step-grandchildren, Rhonda Estling, Rebekah Vetter and Christopher Butler; and 4 step-great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kaleb and Mason Vetter, and Owen Butler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant daughter.

Jack was born November 6, 1923, in Brooklyn, Iowa, the son of Benjamin Forrest “Frosty” and Fern (Johnston) Hicks. He graduated from BGM High School in 1942. He served in the US Army from 1943-1946. On June 5, 1948, he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Clayton at his parents’ home in Brooklyn.

Jack worked as an electrical engineer at Linn Co. REC, where he became manager in 1953, and retired in 1985. He was an active member at the Marion Christian Church since 1950. He enjoyed traveling, and was an overseas consultant for rural electrification. He loved music, and played both the clarinet and saxophone. He was in numerous bands, and was the founding member of the New Horizons Band. Jack’s family was very important to him, and he was always lending a helping hand.

He loved flying and was a private pilot for many years. He was a previous member of both Flying Farmers and the Iowa Civil Air Patrol. He enjoyed the family farm, which has been in the family since 1870. He was a member of the American Legion for 60 years.

Memorials may be directed to the Marion Christian Church at: 1050 McGowan Blvd., Marion, IA 52302; the American Cancer Society at: www.cancer.org/donate; or a charity of choice.