Dr. Paul Anthony Hickman, 66, of Tiro, Ohio went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 14, 2024 at his home.
Paul was born May 23, 1958 in Shelby to James Richard and Evajean Mae (Hopton) Hickman. Paul was an educator and learner his entire life. He was a 1976 graduate of Shelby High School and furthered his education at Ohio Northern University earning a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1981. Later, in 1985, he earned a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University and, in 2002, a Doctorate of Education (Ed. D.) from Ashland University.
Dr. Hickman’s 38-year professional career in education encompassed secondary, career technical, and also the collegiate levels both in teaching and administration. Beginning as a teacher in Mishawaka, IN, Paul returned to Shelby to work at Pioneer JVS/Career and Technical Center where he was an administrator for the adult education program. From Pioneer, he served as high school principal and superintendent at Colonel Crawford Local School District. Following Colonel Crawford, Dr. Hickman served as Superintendent of Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia. It was from there that he ”retired” the first time. He then became an adjunct professor with multiple universities prior to becoming a professor and department chair of industrial programming at Stark State College. He was known by his colleagues for his kindness and integrity. He retired completely in 2019.
Paul was an avid motorcyclist for over 40 years and recently enjoyed flying planes and becoming a licensed pilot. He cherished his family and enjoyed wintering in Ocala, FL with his wife, Julie, and his dogs. He especially loved building things and was well known for his big projects and “go big or go home” attitude. From large construction to furniture and everything in between, every project Paul worked on was always done to perfection. Paul loved the Lord and found peace in Christ his Savior and shared God and Jesus with others. He shared his faith with every medical professional that helped him along his cancer treatments. He wanted everyone around him to know life is fragile and Jesus loves you, so be ready to meet Him.
Paul leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 42 years, Julie Ann Hickman. Also surviving are their children: Ashley (Reggie) Phillips of Chester, VA and Hunter Anthony (Ashley) Hickman of Galion; grandchildren: Hudson, Sawyer, Annabelle, and Elyse Phillips and Ryiah and Ezekiel Hickman; his brothers: Larry (LeaAnna) Hickman of Marion and Noel (Vianey) Hickman of Nashville, TN; father-in-law: Rev. John Hickman of Dublin; brother-in-law: Mark (Anne) Hickman of Reynoldsburg; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James & Evajean Hickman; sister, Ruth Anderson; mother-in-law, June Hickman; and nephews, Grant, Kent, and Garrett Hickman.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, June 17, 2024 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10 am at Real Life Nazarene Church, 777 Fairview Avenue, Galion, Ohio with his son and son-in-law officiating. Burial will follow in Sandusky Township Cemetery on Biddle Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Avita Home Health & Hospice (https://avitahomehealth.org/donate/).
Condolences may be left on Paul’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
Funeral Home: Penwell Turner Funeral Home
Website: www.PenwellTurner.com