Heaven’s gates opened wide for Michael Richard Hicks, 63, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri on October 16 after a courageous battle with a long-term illness. He was born on February 5, 1952, and was raised in Independence, Missouri. Many lives have been touched by Mike’s dedication and leadership to his family, church, community, fire and emergency services. He attended Truman High School when he began his love for music and faith by learning to play guitar and trumpet in the band. He developed an interest in ministry through youth group activities and attended Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. He spent a year with Campus Crusade For Christ in San Bernadino, CA before he returned back to the Kansas City area. His extensive career in emergency medicine began when he worked for Gold Cross Ambulance and Clay- Platte Ambulance which led him to attend one of the first paramedic programs which began in the early 1970’s. He was a provider, educator, and manager for many organizations. Mike began as a paramedic at Lee’s Summit Fire Department in 1975 where his career developed to include positions as Firefighter, Fire Investigator, Paramedic team leader, Rescue Diver, and Assistant Fire Chief of Training and Emergency Medical Services. In 1977, he married Vicki and they helped coordinate a “Young- Marrieds” program at St. Regis Church. This has led to lifelong friendships with wonderful neighbors and friends while Mike and Vicki raised 3 wonderful children.
In 1987, Mike took the position of Fire Chief of Consolidated Fire District No. 2 in northeast Johnson County, KS and the move that followed to Prairie Village and Shawnee, KS again brought Mike’s family together with very special neighbors that will forever be treasured. Mike offered his talents with several church communities by singing and playing his guitar, and volunteering with Boy Scouts and youth programs. He taught for more than 20 years and was an experienced instructor, trainer, and coordinator at Johnson County Community College, Penn Valley Community College, MAST Ambulance, and Central Jackson County Fire Protection District. Mike was active in many civic and community activities including service as a member of the Board of Directors of Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Johnson County Fire Chief Association and Chair of Board of Directors for Mid-America Regional Council Emergency Rescue. Mike successfully organized the effort to change Missouri State law to allow paramedics to give medications and perform procedures without orders from a doctor at medical central. Mike spent a year in Afghanistan while combat operations were ongoing providing emergency medical services in Kabul and Kandahar. Upon his return from Afghanistan, he worked for Mid-America Regional Council as an Emergency Service Planner and was instrumental in the development of the region’s first time critical diagnosis plan. Mike’s recognitions include the Distinguished Service Medal from LSFD, the David E. Garcia Award for distinguished EMS career, and most recently, the MEMSA Lifetime Achievement Award.
He is survived by his wife, Vicki of 38 years, their children, Beth Tinsley (Chris), Ben Hicks (Heidi), Katie Gross (Dan), and eight beloved grandchildren (Kirsten, Deidra, and Lilly Gross; Amelia, Isabelle, and Henry Hicks; Savannah and Emersyn Tinsley). He is also survived by his parents, Richard and Lorene Hicks, and sister, Darline Keck (Tom).
Mike treasured the friendships he developed worldwide. His trust in the Lord carried him through many of life’s journeys. He never knew a stranger but always listened and enjoyed long conversations and stories with family and friends. Mike’s legacy will now live on through his eight grandchildren who brought him such great joy. He lived life with integrity and love. He will be sorely missed by all.
Services will be held at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church 130 NW Murray Rd, Lees Summit, MO 64081 Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 5-8pm with funeral mass on Friday, October 23, at 10:30am. Graveside services are scheduled for October 31, 2015 at 10:30 am at the First Responder memorial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64138
We thank the many compassionate and dedicated nurses and health care professionals of Saint Luke’s Hospice for their loving care. The family suggests contributions to The Myositis Association or Saint Luke’s Home Care & Hospice.
Vickie and family, my sympathy to all of you on your loss. Mike was a great man who influenced so many. He leaves a lasting legacy in all of you and the many lives he touched.
To Mike’s family ,my sympathy to you & his children Im an old family friend.My sympathy to Richard & Lorene & Darline too.
My sincerest condolences on this loss in your family. I am so very sorry. May our Creator bless you with comfort and peace knowing he is well and safe in his fold.
I was saddened to hear about the loss of Mike. The Emergency Medical profession lost a pioneer and true professional. I hadn’t seen Mike since 1984. Although we had our differences from time to time, I always admired his faith, professionalism and dedication. God bless his wife, children and grandchildren.
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. I worked with Mike at Mid-America Regional Council and he spoke of all of you so lovingly. His knowledge and how he used it to help others was truly impressive.
God blessings,
Chris Allen Hunter
Heaven gained another Angel! My Daddy, Don Shipps, worked with Mike and I remember as a child coming to the Fire House and meeting everyone and getting a fir hat & color book from Mike. Very fond childhood memories!
I will lift you all in my prayers! May God grant you the peace & comfort during this time!
Mike was an incredible friend, willing to share his knowledge, his faith, his humor, and his love of his family in an exceptionally humble manner. May God wrap you in comfort and peace as we gather to celebrate the life of a wonderful Dad, PaPa, Husband, Son, Uncle, Brother, Cousin, and Friend. The world is a better place because of Mike Hicks.
Thoughts and prayers for the family and the greater Kansas City area fire service family. Mike had an influence on so many and so much.
I had the privilege of working with Mike at LSFD and was always impressed with his knowledge, professional approach to any task and his ability to train others.
I had the privilege of going to weekly dinners with my fellow friends and chiefs from the regional hazmat group and on occasion, Mike would attend. I learned from him and enjoyed his stories. Mike taught so much to so many. He will be missed.
I had the pleasure of working and teaching with and learning from Chief Hicks. He had many professional titles and nick names of which he was very proud. He was most proud of those his family gave him, son, brother, husband, dad, pa pa, cousin, uncle. We all miss you Mike. My thoughts and prayers for Christ’s blessings and Peace to be upon you all.
I too had the privilege of meeting with Mike during my fellowship training at KUMC. Mike was my good friend’s husband. I will always cherish the smile through pain on Mike’s face.
Ms.Vicki and all the family members…May the good Lord fill the empty space left by Mike with His eternal presence. Rest assured that far away from a distant land and across seas you are all remembered and prayed for.
I too had the privilege of meeting with Mike during my fellowship training at KUMC. Mike was my good friend’s husband. I will always cherish the smile through pain on Mike’s face.
May the good Lord fill the empty space left by Mike with His eternal presence. Ms. Vicki and family – from a distant land and across seas you are specially remembered and prayed for during this time of bereavement and loss. May his soul rest in peace till we meet again on those beautiful shores.
VickI- as you know I learned of Mike’s passing a short time afterward. He touched so many people throughout his life as you are well aware. I feel fortunate to be one of those going all the way back to being neighbors on W. 4th St. He will rest in peace and may God’s comfort continue to surround you and your family .