Donald Gordon "Don" Hicks, Jr., age 71, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 10:45 A.M. on Friday, August 14, 2015 at Centralia Manor in Centralia, Illinois. He was born on January 2, 1944 in Centralia, Illinois, the son of Donald Gordon, Sr. and Pauline Caroline "Polly" (Arning) Hicks.  He married Marcia Lynn Gearhart on January 17, 1970 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona and she survives in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his wife of 45 years, Mr. Hicks is survived by his sons, Jim Hicks of Centralia, Illinois and Tony Hicks and wife Colleen of Manor, Texas, mother, Pauline "Polly" Hicks of Centralia, Illinois, granddaughters, Jessica Hicks and Kayla Hicks, both of Manor, Texas, sister, Rae Ellen Lampe and husband Robert of Cummings, Georgia and 4 nieces and 5 nephews.

Mr. Hicks was preceded in death by his father, Donald G. Hicks, Sr..

Mr. Hicks was a member of the First Baptist Church in Centralia, Illinois, where he was formerly on the Board of Deacons.  He was a member of the Centralia Lions Club, Centralia BPOE Elks Lodge 493 and the United Commercial Travelers.  Earlier in his youth, he enjoyed baseball and basketball.  He coached his son's Juvenile City Little League Team, which was sponsored by the Centralia Moose Lodge, and won two championships.  He was a bowler and bowled on several leagues. He had a great passion for golf.  It wasn't uncommon to find Mr. Hicks' sitting on the porch watching the St. Louis Cardinals on the television and listening to the game on KMOX radio.  He was an avid gardener, who distributed his many vegetables to the elder ladies in his neighborhood.  He cherished the time he spent with family.

After the death of his father, Mr. Hicks acquired the State Farm Agency in Centralia, Illinois on September 15, 1973.  He was owner and insurance agent until his retirement on May 31, 2015.  He graduated with Centralia Township High School's Class of 1962.  After graduation, Mr. Hicks joined the United State Army on July 13, 1962 and served his country until December 22, 1962.  After being discharged from the U.S. Army, he entered the U.S. Army Reserve and served from December 22, 1962 until March 31, 1970.  He has lived most of his life in Centralia, Illinois

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Perry Schefelker officiating.  Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois.  Friends may call 9:00 A.M. until the time of services at 12 noon on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Hicks' memory to Wounded Warrior Fund or CCBA Food Pantry in Centralia, Illinois and will be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mr. Hicks' family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on Facebook.