News Summary
1SG Eugene Hickman, a respected U.S. Army veteran, passed away at 77 after battling cancer linked to Agent Orange exposure. With a legacy of service, education, and community commitment, Hickman’s impact is felt deeply in San Antonio. A dedicated family man, he leaves behind a loving family and an inspiring legacy of volunteerism and mentorship, culminating in a funeral scheduled with full military honors.
San Antonio, TX – 1SG Eugene Hickman, a highly regarded U.S. Army veteran and dedicated volunteer, passed away on May 11, 2025, at the age of 77. Hickman succumbed to cancer, a consequence of exposure to Agent Orange during his time in the military, highlighting the long-term impacts of service-related health issues.
Born on October 10, 1947, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Hickman led a life marked by unwavering service, discipline, and the immense love he held for his family and community. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from the University of Arkansas in 1970, he continued his education with a Master’s Degree in Education from Vanderbilt University in 1981 and another Master’s Degree in International Relations from Troy University in 1995.
Hickman served in the U.S. Army for over 20 years, culminating in his retirement as a First Sergeant (1SG) in Military Intelligence. He was renowned for his steadfast leadership and dedication to mentoring young soldiers throughout his career. He began his military service on January 30, 1973, as a military linguist in support of the Vietnam War, playing a critical role in operations during this turbulent time.
His military journey included serving as a German linguist in Berlin and Fulda, Germany, during the Cold War operations. Hickman completed numerous military education courses at the Defense Language Institute (DLI), specializing in Basic and Advanced German, Basic Chinese, and Electronic Warfare. He was recognized for his service with numerous commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal, among others.
After retiring from the Army, Hickman transitioned to civilian government service as an Army Education Services Officer and later served as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for the Army-wide Voluntary Education Contract. He retired from these roles after 20 years of impactful service, ultimately making San Antonio his home.
Aside from his professional achievements, Hickman ardently volunteered at the Ft. Sam Houston United Services Organization (USO) for ten years, providing support to new recruits. He was actively involved in philanthropic efforts aimed at assisting firefighters, military personnel, and first responders, particularly in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
A devoted Roman Catholic, Hickman was also recognized as a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and awarded Knight of the Year at St. Helena’s Catholic Church for the 2017-2018 period. His personal interests included travel, and he had the opportunity to visit five of the seven continents. Notable trips included Angkor Wat in 2023 and the Munich Oktoberfest in 2024.
Despite his many accomplishments, Hickman’s personal life remained grounded in faith and family. He prayed daily using Trish Short’s Chaplet of the Divine Mercy on YouTube. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Harold Hickman, and his sister, Ruth (Nan) Hogberg. Hickman is survived by his wife, Barbara Hickman; children, Joey and Isaiah; grandchildren, Logan, Duncan, Berlin, and Astoria; along with numerous extended family members and friends who will carry his memory forward.
A Funeral Mass is set for May 21, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Church in San Antonio at 9:00 A.M., following which Hickman will be interred with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Hickman’s memory to The American Cancer Society or Tunnels to Towers.
Gene Hickman’s legacy is one of inspiration, diligence, and love, continuing to resonate in the hearts of those he impacted, the soldiers he guided, and the family he nurtured.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Eugene Hickman
- Wikipedia: Agent Orange
- CBS News: Gene Hackman
- Google Search: Eugene Hickman
- Dignity Memorial: Annette Witherspoon
- Google Scholar: Military Intelligence U.S. Army
- Wherry Mortuary: Eugene Bucher
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Roman Catholic Knights of Columbus
- Dignity Memorial: Eugene Hickman
- Google News: U.S. Army Veteran Obituary
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
