A Mass of Christian Burial for Leland "Lee" Francis Hickman, 86, of Newark, will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 15, 2023, with Fr. Mike Gentry as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Lee, a 1956 graduate of Hopewell High School, died at Middleton Senior Living, surrounded by the love of his family, on Thursday, August 10, 2023. He was born in Licking County, Ohio on April 2, 1937, to the late Bernard N. and Zelma (Vanhook) Hickman.

During his junior year of high school Lee began cutting hair on calves at the family farm. This sparked his interest, prompting Lee to attend Andrew Barber College. His career as a barber began with Ralph Shannon in Marne, followed by 1 year in Caldwell, and 6 years in Frazeysburg. In 1966, Lee began working at various locations in the Newark area before he opened Hickman's Barber Shop in 1971, which he operated for 50 years in its current location on Granville Street.

Lee's career as a barber was more than just a profession to him. He formed many lifelong friendships, serving 6 generations of families. From a child's first haircut, often ladened with tears and sticky lollipops, to the home visits, nursing homes, and yes, even the funeral homes, a client of Lee's was often a client for life. A visit to Hickman's Barber Shop was more than just a haircut, but an opportunity to catch up with the news about town, discuss the recent sport scores, or check out Lee's barber mug collection that reached the hundreds. Lee was meticulous with his craft, never willing to compromise on the details, regardless of how many were waiting in the chairs.

Lee enjoyed bowling, basketball, and coached baseball for many years with Mound City Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball. He was a member of the Newark Elks Lodge and served on the Newark Catholic Athletic Association and Newark Catholic School Board.

As a longtime parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Church and member of the Knights of Columbus, Lee was devoted to his Catholic faith and made it a priority to share this devotion with his family. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 62 years, Jean (Schott) Hickman; his children, Michelle Hanson, Thomas Hickman, and Chad (Jen) Hickman; 9 grandchildren, Ben, Katy, Annie, Blake, and J.T. Hanson, Sam, Cameron, Margo, and Joe Hickman; siblings, Pat Ricard, Linda (Byron) Harris, Cheryl (Mel) Millfelt, David (Mel) Hickman, Joyce (Gary) Schneider, Marty (Duane) Flowers, and Kathi (Ty) Crawmer; sister-in-law, Faye Hickman, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by his son-in-law, John Hanson; brothers, Sam, Bernard and Richard Hickman; and brother-in-law, Donn Ricard.

Friends and family may call at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 4-7 P.M., Monday, August 14, 2023, with a Rosary Service held at 6:30 P.M.

Memorials in Lee's name can be made to the Newark Catholic High School Foundation or the Newark Catholic Athletic Association.

The family would like to thank Middleton Senior Living and Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice for their dedicated care; and to the many devoted customers of Lee who supported him faithfully over these last 50 years.

To share your memory of Lee or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.