John R. Hicks, 65 of Pekin, Illinois died Monday, November 15, 1982 at Methodist Hospital. Born March 11, 1917 in Olney, he was the son of John E. and Louise (Reel) Hicks. He married Inez Walbert November 25, 1939 in Burlington, Iowa.

He is survived by his wife, Inez; a son, John Jr. of Modesto, Calif; a daughter, Mrs. Karen Balske of Fresno, Calif; three grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Louise Antenore of Pekin.

He was a tool designer for Caterpillar Tractor Co. for 42 years, last working in 1977. He attended the First Baptist Church.

Services at Noel-Henderson Funeral Home with burial in Glendale Memorial Gardens, Pekin. Memorials to Tazewell County office of the American Cancer Society.

Journal-Star (Peoria, IL) – Wednesday, November 17, 1982