Robert Bruce Hicks

Robert Bruce Hicks passed away peacefully on November 24, 2012 at the age of 91. Born on July 12, 1921 in Hazleton, PA, to Bruce M. and Jennie MacNeal Hicks, Bob was proud to hail from the anthracite coal region of eastern Pennsylvania. It was there that he began a life-long love of athletics. He was a standout athlete who earned a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee to play for General Robert Neyland. World War II interrupted his college years, and he served in the US Navy during the war. He returned to UT where he earned his degree and met his future bride, Louise Halliburton. They were wed in 1948 and enjoyed 62 years of marriage until Louise's death in 2010. Upon graduation, Bob's football coaching career began at Milan HS (TN) and Spartanburg HS (SC). He entered the college coaching ranks as an assistant at the University of Wyoming, helping to bring the program to prominence. His subsequent 16 years of coaching at Indiana University were highlighted by an appearance in the1968 Rose Bowl. He later served as an administrator in the IU Athletic Department and the School of HPER. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Kiwanis Club, and Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Bob was a teacher at heart, using athletic competition as a means to instill valuable life lessons. He delighted in the relationships he maintained with many of the men he coached. Known for his optimism and cheerful disposition, Bob's life will continue to serve as inspiration for his loved ones. He was a dedicated family man who will be greatly missed. Survivors include his adoring children, Barbara Gartner (Chris) of Park Ridge, IL, Rebecca Dickson (Bruce) of Austin, TX, and Robert B. Hicks, Jr. (Jennifer) of Zionsville, IN. "Grandpa" will be lovingly remembered by his nine grandchildren: Ellen (Josh Phillips), Anna (Eric Horsch) and Carleton Gartner; Neal (Allison), Andrew (Lindsey) and Lauren Dickson; and Robert III, Margaret and Charlie Hicks; great-granddaughter Harper Louise Dickson, beloved nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Ruth Hicks Randall Stewart. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Lana McCray for her skillful, loving care and to the Bell Trace Health & Living Staff for their support. Visitation will be held at Allen Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, November 30. A reception will be held at First United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 1, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church, 219 E. 4th Street, Bloomington, IN, 47408, or the Indiana University Varsity Club, 1008 E. 17th St., Bloomington, IN, 47408. Allen Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Friends can send condolences to www.allenfuneralhome.org

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Robert Bruce Hicks

July 12, 1921 - November 24, 2012