Dr Leland A. Hickox's Obituary
Charlevoix Dr. Leland A. Hickox, age 85, of Big Rapids passed away Monday, September 5, 2011. He was born in East Jordan on October 18, 1925, the son of Rex and Rita (Green) Hickox. Dr. Hickox graduated from East Jordan High School in 1943. He then went to an Army officers training program at the University of Wisconsin for one year. The program was discontinued and he was sent to finish up his service time as a platoon leader serving in the infantry in Germany. He attained the rank of staff sergeant, was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart commendation. He completed his service time in the Philippines and was honorable discharged in March 1946. Leland married Patricia A. Sinclair of East Jordan on August 31, 1946. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelors degree in Zoology in 1948 and received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Michigan in 1952. Dr. Hickox did his internship at St. Marys Hospital in Grand Rapids from 1952 to 1953 and first practiced in Stanwood from 1953 to 1956. He then did a surgical residency at St. Marys Hospital in 1956-57. In 1957 he returned to Big Rapids where he formed the Rapids Medical Group with Dr. Jack Haldeman and Dr. James Walters. He served two terms as Chief of Staff at Mecosta County Medical Center and retired from family practice in 1989. Dr. Hickox was a Life Member of the American Medical Society, a member of the Michigan State Medical Society, a board certified member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, member and past president of the Tri-County Medical Society. He served for many years on the Board of Directors of 1st National Bank (Now Chemical Bank of Big Rapids), Board of Trustees of the Big Rapids Community Foundation and the Governing Board of the United Church of Big Rapids. Dr. Hickox was given the Northern Lights Award for Lifetime Achievement in Social Services and Health in September of 2007. He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 65 years, five children, Susan (James) Zatolokin of Malibu CA, Todd (Carmen Ventocilla) Hickox of Okemos, MI, John (Carla Johnson) Hickox of Norfolk, VA, Fred (Sharon) Hickox of Rockford, MI, Jane (Jeff) Halstead of Boyne City, MI, 13 grandchildren, plus many nieces and nephews. Dr. Hickox was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Donald and one sister, Elizabeth Krause of Battle Creek, MI. A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the United Church of Big Rapids with Pastor Jon Fleming officiating. Dr. Hickoxs family will greet friends in the church parlor from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Church, the Mecosta County Foundation or the Mecosta County Medical Center Foundation.
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