Merl Gene Hicks, 97, lifelong area resident, passed away Thursday morning, October 9, 2025 at the Moore County Hospital in Dumas, Texas.

The son of Alna Brice and Olive May (Upshaw) Hicks, he was born July 16, 1928 in Texas County, Oklahoma.  Merle attended country school in rural Texas County, and  served in the United State Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

He was married to Marie Lollar on August 5, 1955 in Clayton, New Mexico.  She preceded him in death on April 23, 2019.  Merl was a good husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa.  He loved his family dearly and took them on many adventures, such as camping, skiing, swimming and other travel destinations.  He taught his family the value of hardwork.  He was a great friend to many and will be remembered for his sense of humor and fun loving wit.

Merl was engaged in farming and ranching the majority of his working life, retiring at the age of 89.  He was a member of the Morning Star Methodist Church in Hough, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alna Brice and Olive May Hicks; his wife, Marie; son, Mark Alan Hicks; four sisters: Doris Delano, Wanda Shores, Deloris Fowler and infant, Florence Hicks; and four brothers: Johnnie, Gifford, Kenneth and Calvin Hicks.

Survivors include son, R.T. Hicks of Amarillo; daughter, Connie Hicks of Guymon; four grandchildren: Brice Hicks of Amarillo, Benton Hicks of Amarillo, Shanna Walle and Karel of Lubbock, Texas, and Natasha Fitzgerald of Hooker, Oklahoma.  Survivors also include six great grandchildren: Chynna Hicks, AJ, Kennley & Lennox Walle and Lincoln & Warren Fitzgerald; his best buddy – his dog Brownie; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation with family will be Sunday evening, October 12th between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. at the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Monday afternoon, October 13th at 2:00 p.m. at the Morning Star Methodist Church in Hough, Oklahoma with Pastor Nick Gift officiating.  Interment with military honors will follow in the Elmhurst Cemetery in Guymon, Oklahoma.

The Hicks family request memorials in lieu of flowers be given to the Morning Star United Methodist Church.  Memorials will be accepted at Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1112, Guymon, Oklahoma 73942. Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.