Byron “Bud” Hicks
Byron “Bud” Hicks, 96, of Marshall, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Bud was born in Battle Creek on December 14, 1926, to Walter and Ila Hicks. Bud married the love of his life, Judy Bauman on October 6, 1951. They enjoyed nearly 72 years of marriage.
Bud is survived by Judy; his daughter, Lonnie (Monte) Starkweather; granddaughters, Kellie (Brad) Janousek and Jessie (Kevin) McClelland; and two very special great grandsons, Ryder and Hayden McClelland. He is also survived by extended family members and so many wonderful friends.
As a child of the depression, Bud’s upbringing was humble. Much of his childhood was spent with his loving grandparents and with cousins on the Hicks family farm in Pennfield. There was not a time in Bud’s 96 years that he wasn’t dreaming about or fixing a car. The car bug really bit when at 13 years old, Bud bought a third interest in a Model T for $6. By the age of 14, he had purchased his second car, a Ford Model A. Bud’s calling wasn’t to higher education, but to work. He worked at various service stations prior to getting a job at Battle Creek Autobody. At the age of 17, Bud enlisted in the Navy. As a member of the Sea Bees, he spent time in Guam decommissioning vessels and playing a lot of cards. Upon his return from the Navy, he continued working in body shops. By the age of 24, he had purchased Lakeview Body Shop. Bud was always a hard worker and an artist in “leading” car bodies. Judy and Bud met through Bill, her older brother. They were married in 1951. Their family grew with the addition of Ted and Lonnie. The Hicks family could be found camping and entertaining friends by the pool. Bud could always be found in the middle of a game – cards, shuffleboard, pool and bocce. In the early 70’s, Bud help start the Autobody Repair program at the Calhoun County Vocational Center. It was here he taught many young men about body repair, but more importantly, work ethic. By the late 70’s, Bud had given up the body shop business to work full time at antique auto restoration. Bud and Judy were members of the Battle Creek Car Club, Buick Club of America, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club and ’53-54 Skylark Club. Buicks were Bud’s favorites as they were “over built” and good road cars. He always said he collected Buicks because he couldn’t afford Duesenbergs. Bud and Judy took many road trips and tours over the years, often including their granddaughters on the ride. When Bud “retired” at the age of 85, he spent more time fishing, playing cards and traveling to Florida. He especially loved playing games with Ryder and Hayden.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved sister, Barbara Barney; brother-in-law, Ray Barney; and his sons, Theodore “Ted” Hicks in 1969 and Daniel Hicks in 1957.
Visitation was held Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Richard Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, and funeral services were held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 1 p.m. Interment followed at Hicks Cemetery in Pennfield with a gathering of friends and family immediately after. Family, friends, and cars have always been at the center of Bud’s world. The family asked that attendees drive their old cars to the visitation or funeral service in his memory.
Memorial contributions can be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or The Gilmore Car Museum Garage Works Program (to educate high school students on automobile restoration).
The family is in the care of Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 703 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015; Phone: 269-962-5191; www. henryfuneralhome.org.