On February 4th, 2022, Donald D. Hicks, of Geraldine, MT, passed away from natural causes at the Missouri River Medical Center in Fort Benton, MT.

Born October 28, 1934, to Harold and Edna (Robison) Hicks, Don was the fifth of six brothers and sisters. After attending elementary/middle school at Harwood Lake School, Don attended Geraldine High School, graduating in 1952. Following high school, Don attended Eastern Montana University in Billings, graduating with a 2-year degree, and shortly afterwards, he volunteered for the US Army where he was eventually stationed in Wurzburg, Germany. After completing his two-year service commitment, Don returned home to Geraldine, to join his father and brother on the farm/ranch, where he would live and work until his admission to the MRMC in 2021.

In late 1974, Don was introduced to Linda Stevenson, the music teacher at Geraldine High School, and won her heart by drawing a sketch on the back of her hand; in February 1975, they were married. Don and Linda enjoyed numerous adventures together, especially with other close friends, and in 1988, they welcomed their only child, Drew, into the world. Over the next 20 years, Don, Linda, and Drew shared a rich family life, filled with music lessons, band concerts, athletic events, and more, before Linda's passing in 2009. Although ready to see Linda again, Don was able to witness special moments, such as his son's wedding, the birth of his grandson, and the announcement of a second grandchild, due later this year.

Don will be fondly remembered by friends, family, and the local community as an authentic, hard-working individual. This reputation was earned at an early age when he started herding sheep at age 6, continued as he financed his college education by swamping a bakery for $1/hour, and was solidified in the countless hours of labor he spent growing and maintaining the family farm/ranch. In addition to his physical work, Don also left his intellectual mark as a sculptor, cartoonist, poet and even an inventor, who achieved 3 Certified US Patents over his lifetime. These accomplishments, combined with the myriad of stories from Don's involvement in the Geraldine community and his time in Europe will be cherished and celebrated by those fortunate enough to have shared in them.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Edna (Robison); his siblings, Glen, Bob, Norma, and Ken; and his loving wife, Linda (Stevenson).

Don is survived by his son, Drew; his grandson, Daniel; his sister, Kathy; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, both in Montana and abroad.

A memorial service is currently being planned for later this year, and will be announced when a date is finalized. Until then, we rejoice in the hope that Don knows Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and has been reunited with Linda and other loved ones. Our family thanks the community for all the thoughts, prayers, and kind words that have been offered throughout this process. Please visit Don's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at www.bentonfh.com.