Bill Hickey

Bill Joseph Hickey, a life-long resident of Fairfax, Okla., passed away in Fairfax on Aug. 14, 2018. He was a member of the Osage and Loyal Shawnee tribes. He attended Fairfax schools and the New Hope Church. Bill started his life work by helping his dad weld in Phillips properties in the Burbank and Shidler area. Later, he worked in Baltimore and along the East Coast cutting down oil tanks.

Following an injury, he moved on to his life's work of Native arts and crafts. Joining his aunt Snooky, Bill followed the powwow trail up and down the East Coast. He established a following with his leather work, unique items, and leather trimmed canes. He was known for his generosity in helping out dancers needing a quick repair, or if they were short on a giveaway.

Bill is the son of Jack Hickey Sr. and Cora Miles Hickey and was born in the Hamil Hospital in Fairfax, on March 24, 1963.

He is survived by his daughter, Denay Chee Hickey and her mother Cathy; his mother, Cora Hickey of the home; a brother, Jack Hickey Jr., and wife Chee of Sioux Falls, S.D. Uncle Frank Hickey, aunts Ellen Mae (Boyd) Thomison and Mary "Snooky" Bighorse Wiseman. Cousins, Boyd Thomison Jr., Charles Anthony Thomison, Vivian Hickey, Madelyn Beason, and Janet Franklin Emde. Numerous nieces and nephews, including special niece Sam Harding who called Uncle Bill her "Buddy" and she was his "partner". Our family would like to recognize our friend, Joe Washington for his unwavering friendship and support.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Hickey, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Fred "Jug" and Irene Daugherty Miles and paternal grandparents, Frank Hickey Sr. and Mildred Hickey Pahmahmie.

Friends and loved ones paid their respects at the Grayhorse Chapel Aug. 15-16. Funeral Services were Aug. 17, with Everett Waller officiating. Assistant Principal Chief Raymond Red Corn read the obituary and Candice Rhodd provided a song at the morning service. Burial was in the Grayhorse Cemetery with Rock Pipestem singing a traditional tribal song. Arrangements were under the direction of the Hunsaker Wooten Funeral Home of Fairfax.

Pallbearers were Taos Barrone, Rock Pipestem, Jonathan Lunsford, and nephews Miles Kennett, Gage Price, and Seth Harding. Honorary Pallbearers included Jeff Lunsford, Preston Tonepahote, Jerry Shaw, Steve Fisher, and Ed Smith.

Dinner followed with Sam Harding giving the invocation, The Lord's Prayer, in Osage.

Bill's online guestbook may be signed at www.hunsakerwootenfuneralhome.com

Visitation

Grayhorse Chapel
Grayhorse Village-Rural Fairfax
Fairfax, OK  74637
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
3 p.m.

Grayhorse Chapel
Grayhorse Village-Rural Fairfax
Fairfax, OK  74637
Thursday, August 16, 2018

Service

Funeral Service

Grayhorse Chapel
Grayhorse Village-Rural Fairfax
Fairfax, OK  74637
Friday, August 17, 2018
10 a.m.

Cemetery

Grayhorse Cemetery
Grayhorse Village East of Fairfax
Fairfax, OK  74637