12/19/2021

Obituary for Daniel Wynn Hicks

Husband of Lori Ann Hicks, OFDA Past President and Funeral Director at Mueller Funeral Home

Daniel W. Hicks, of Liberty Township, was welcomed into the Gates of Paradise on Friday, December 17, 2021.  Although he passed away at the young age of 59, he lived his life to the fullest experiencing and giving more love and happiness than most could imagine.

Born on Wednesday, July 11, 1962 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dan had the biggest heart of anyone you would meet.  He truly gave the best hugs ever.  It was as if you could feel his love as he wrapped you up in a tight warm embrace, making everything right for that split moment in time. 

Serving in the United States Army, Dan developed his love for heavy equipment.  Known as “Dozer Dan”, he took great pride in his work.  There were never any quick cuts in his world, quickly earning the respect of builders that often requested him. 

Dan was an adventure seeking cowboy (if heights were not involved!).  On snow or water, he as an excellent skier and took great pride in being able to barefoot water ski.  Whether it was a deep water start or his famous flying dock start, he would put his “spidey suit” on with a smile from ear to ear.

Quite possibly the world’s best storyteller, Dan loved nothing more than to fill a room with laughter.  And while he might be telling the same story for the millionth time, everyone would stay to listen as they were always guaranteed at least a smile and giggle. 

A kid at heart, Dan would do or say the silliest things to make you smile.  There was truly nothing more important to him than his family with his babies and grandbabies at the center of his heart. He was the one on the floor playing with the cars, building blanket forts, playing barbies, having tea-parties, and just plain enjoying life. 

A River Rat, Dan counted the days until it was river season.  In his world, there was nothing better than cooking breakfast on the grill with your fishing pole in the water, then spending the rest of the day cruising the river on the boat.  He considered Shady Rest his second home as he was able to create lasting memories with family and friends. 

Dan was welcomed into heaven by: his dad, John Hicks; father, Glenn Stamper; grandparents, Rence and Vergie Griffith; brother, David Stamper; and sister, Felicia Hicks.

Dan will be forever cherished by: wife, Lori Ann (nee Banasiak) Hicks; daughters, Samantha (Joe) Dunaway and Emily (Casey) Hall; son, David W. Hicks; grandchildren, Felicia Dunaway, Juliana Dunaway, Jackson Dunaway, Mason Hall, Lane Hall, and Virginia Hall; mother, Joyce (nee Griffith) Hicks; brother, Chris (Julie) Hicks; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry and Dottie Banasiak; sisters-in-law, Jessica Banasiak and Denise Banasiak; nieces and nephews, Zoe Hicks, Grace Hicks, John Hicks, Henrietta Hicks, Rochelle (David) Jones, Jason Riddell, Lindsey (Matt) Riddell, Anna Blecha, Alex Blecha, Luke Blecha, and Claire Blecha; great-niece and great-nephews, Adeline Jones, Declan Jones, and Albert Kincaid; and so many loving and dear friends and neighbors he considered family including, Mark (Deb) Langfritz, Carrie (Jason) Blecha, Mike (Andrea) Reuscher, Bobby (Donna) Ruffner, and Jeff (Christy) Shepherd.

Dan touched so many lives and his heart was bigger and better for having known and loved each and every one of you. 

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio 45040.  Funeral Service will be Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 10:30 AM at the Funeral Home with interment immediately following at Spring Hill Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Mueller Family Center.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made payable to: The David William Hicks Education Fund at any First Financial Bank.

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart…I’ll always be with you.” ~ Winnie the Pooh