Thomas Eugene Hickel, 58, passed away May 30, 2020, at his home in Great Bend. He was born on September 10, 1961 at Ellinwood, to Charles & Gloria Ann (Thill) Hickel. He married Rita Axman on February 17, 1990, at Olmitz. She survives.
A lifetime Barton county resident, Tom was a fab tech for Roto-Mix. He was a member of Prince of Peace parish in Great Bend, the NRA, American Prostate Cancer Foundation, and a participant in Relay for Life. He was an avid Nascar fan, always rooting on Chase Elliott and Jeff Gordon. Tom enjoyed deer, turtle and coyote hunting. He was a hardworking family man, always enjoying spending time with his family, and his grandchildren were his prized possession.
Survivors include, his wife, Rita Hickel of the home; a son, Carl Hickel and wife Bailey of Midland, Tex.; two daughters, Reba Kohn and husband Kyle of Kinsley, and Tana Yellowwolf and husband Micah of Great Bend; two brothers, Donald Hickel, and James Hickel and wife Sheryl, all of Claflin; a sister, Deborah Mills of Great Bend; lifelong friend, James Doeden; and 3 grandchildren, Charlee Yellowwolf, Kade Kohn, and Holden Hickel. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a grandson, Levi Kohn.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church, rural Ellinwood. Interment will be in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, rural Ellinwood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be suggested to Kans for Kids or the Tom Hickel Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.