Phillip W. Hickman

Phillip W. “Stick” Hickman, 58, of South Bend, formerly of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 18, 2022. He was born in Elkhart on November 29, 1963, to the late Bobby and Jerries (Standfill) Hickman.

Phillip is survived by his loving wife, Amy Hickman; daughters, Elise and Sydney Hickman; stepchildren, Jacob (Scot) Nieman, Rachel (Larry) Nieman, and Meg (Matt) Hamilton; grandsons, Andrew Nieman, Maxwell “Maximus” White, and Jamesson “Jamie” Hamilton; sister, Lisa (Sam) Caudle; nephews, Travis Caudle and Chase Di Lorenzo; and 19 special lifelong friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Stephen Hickman.  

In accordance with the family’s wishes, cremation was chosen and will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 17195 Cleveland Rd, South Bend, IN 46635 with Pastor Brad Davick and Caroline Satre officiating. Family and Friends are called to gather prior to the service for visitation at the church from 1-2 p.m. A luncheon will follow services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the “Hickman College Fund” to help his children, Elise and Sydney, with college expenses c/o Janet Horvath at Jones Obenchain Attorneys, 130 S Main St Suite 400, South Bend, IN 46601 (please write, Hickman College Fund, on the memo line if you are writing a check).

Phillip was a kind, intelligent, and caring man who dedicated his life to showing love to his family and to his patients. He worked for Beacon Health Systems for 30 years as a nuclear medicine technician specializing in nuclear cardiology. To many of his friends he was known as “The Professor” since he was always reading a book and able to help his friends with any questions they threw at him, whether it was regarding his knowledge of IU and Ball State sports (especially basketball), medicine, or asking for his sage advice. Phillip had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone in need, especially his patients that he cared for deeply. As his wife, Amy, as well as his children and grandchildren would say, he gave the best hugs that made his family feel safe and secure in his loving arms. Phillip had a great sense of humor and loved to tease his grandsons from time to time. He especially enjoyed watching them play sports which often brought out his inner child. Phillip will be missed greatly by all those who were touched by his caring heart and deeply missed by his loving family and many lifelong friends.  

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