Leo H. Hicks, Sr. was born on September 8, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan.  He died January 26, 2018 at his residence.  Leo was a retired USAF Colonel and a resident of Fort Walton Beach since 1980.

Leo became a fighter pilot in 1953 and served in various wings and fighter squadrons as a pilot, instructor and operations officer.  During the Vietnam War he led several strike forces in the Hanoi area, accumulated 5,000 flight hours and flew 150 combat missions over north Vietnam. As a decorated fighter pilot, he was the recipient of the Silver Star and three distinguished Flying Crosses.  Leo was a Mayflower descendant, a life member of the Order of Daedalions and a member of the First United Methodist Church. 

Leo was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years and mother of his children, Dorothy Brelsford Hicks, his daughter, Charlotte Ann Purcell, his son, Leo H. Hicks, Jr., and his wife of 9 years, Sarah Benton Hicks. His survivors include his daughter, Deborah Lee Hicks, three grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 2 PM.

Inurnment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery at a later date. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com

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