Robert W. Hickman

Robert "Bob" Hickman passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the age of 101, at the Pataskala Oaks Care Center, surrounded by his family. He was born on January, 14, 1925, in Newark, Ohio, to the late, William Hickman and Grace (Collins) Hickman, of Alexandria, Ohio. What an amazing life this man lived and we are blessed to have had him for so many years.

Robert left school to join the Army Air Force as World War II approached. He was assigned to the 15th Air Force, 485th Heavy Bombardment Group and the 831st Bomb Squadron, where he served as a tail gunner on a B-24 heavy bomber based in Italy.On June 28th, 1944, Robert and his crew were given a mission to Bucharest, Romania, to bomb critical enemy targets. During the mission, they encountered heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire. Their plane was struck by more than 500 bullets and flak shells, injuring nine of the ten crew members. Despite the extensive damage, Robert and his crew completed their mission. On the return flights, their badly damaged aircraft was forced to crash-land along the shore near Bari, Italy. Robert and his crew were awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for their bravery and service, as well as the Presidential Unit Citation. The damage to their aircraft was so severe that it would never fly again. He continued flying on other aircraft, including one named "Life". After completing 53 missions, he was medically discharged and returned home. In later years, he met the love of his life, Sarah, and he raised her 4 small children as his own.

Robert worked for Miller Construction and Nu Way Construction, later starting his own excavating business during the 80's and 90's. He was a lifetime member of the VFW in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and a member of the 15th Air Force 485th Heavy Bombers Group. He was honored the Ford Oval of Honor, TSA Patriot Award, and Disney Veteran of the Day. Robert was inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame. He was recognized at a Columbus Blue Jackets game, Motts Military Museum and received special recognition for his service from the Columbus Airport, as well as numerous proclamations from the Ohio House and Senate. He was also presented with a special birthday card from President Trump. He was recognized as an Alexandria Hometown Hero and a Licking County Hero. He was a true military hero and a beloved member of his community.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Sarah; sons, Roger Drumn and Robert Cadegan, two brothers and three sisters.

He is survived by his son, Jerry (Sharon) Cadegan, of Pembrooke Pines, Florida; daughters, Patti (Jim) Penny, of Lady Lakes, Florida and Linda (Mike) Haley, of Groveport, Ohio; daughter in law, Diane Cadegan, of Reynoldsburg Ohio; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; special nephew, Larry (Leha) Hickman, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may gather on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at the Kirkersville chapel of Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service, 285 E. Main St., Kirkersville, Ohio, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, September 14, 2026 at the funeral home with his loving nephew, Mike McFarland, officiating. Burial will follow in Jacksontown Cemetery, Jacksontown, Ohio, with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alexandria Museum in Alexandria, Ohio; Motts Military Museum in Groveport Ohio or Gentiva Hospice, whom took excellent care of Robert, or the WWII Museum. Thank you to his dear friends Janet Piper, Steve Beatty, Sam Minturn, John Williams, Tom Bonniet and John Bertman. Thank you to all the staff who cared for our dad at the Pataskala Oaks and the wonderful nurses and caregivers at Mount Carmel East. A special thank you to Marina of Gentiva Hospice, who was just above gracious and caring.

Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to care for Robert and his family.