Daniel was born to Hobart Hickman and Velma Trent in Bloomington Illinois. He has many brothers and sisters, some of which are with him in Heaven now, but surviving him are brothers, Chuck Hickmon (and wife Ruth), Gene Hickman (and wife Laura), John Hickman, and sister, Nancy Piercy. Daniel is survived by his wife, Shirley Hickman (Dillener), and his children, Timothy, David (and wife Wendy), Brian, James (and wife Keri) and only daughter Tamatha. He also leaves behind a sister-n-law and best friend, Barbara Dillener. A nephew who was like a son to him, Kevin Dillener. (4) Grandchildren, Jadyn Hickman, Zachary Hickman, Andrew Rainey, Kimberly Behrens. Daniel also leaves behind his beloved Chihuahua/Poodle Mix, Angel, whom he received as a get well present after a rough surgery he went thru. Along with the previous mentioned family, Daniel also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and cousins who will also miss him dearly.
Joining him in Heaven are his parents: Hobart and Velma. Brothers: George "Bud" Hickman, Richard Hickman, and Sara Hickman, along with other loving family members and lots of family pets lost along the way.
Daniel proudly served in the United States Army, in the 25th Infantry Division, as a Door Gunner on the Huey Helicopter, with his brothers in the "Baby Hueys" while serving in Vietnam. He was stationed out of Scolfield Barracks in Hawaii.
Daniel enjoyed action movies the most, the more action the better. He also enjoyed war movies. Among his favorite movies: Full Metal Jacket, Total Recall (original), The Comancheros, Hamburger Hill, Good Morning Vietnam, Men In Black, Independance Day, Tango and Cash, and Platoon. His favorite music was Country/Western. He loved military airshows, and really loved the US Navy Blue Angels. His favorite comedian was Jeff Dunham, and his favorite puppets were Peanut and Walter. Daniel loved his dog Gaylon, and we are positive that he is up in Heaven with her right now sharing a beer just like he used to.
