Jo Anne Hicks

Jo Anne Hicks, age 83, died peacefully at home in Lawrence, Kansas surrounded by her family on Saturday, December 27, 2014. Jo Anne was born September 10th, 1931 in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of James M. and Josephine A. Weathers Deal.

She married Walter J. Hicks, January 25th, 1953, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Kansas. They have lived in Lawrence since 1957.

Jo Anne was beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, and Oma. A long time active member of Trinity Lutheran Church she sang in the choirs and holiday cantatas, taught Sunday school, and directed Vacation Bible School. A graduate of Ottawa University she was highly involved in the Lawrence community and enhanced many lives with her contributions in early childhood education, music performance, music composition and music program development. She was a published author, composer, and a member of the select vocal ensemble, Voci di Camera. She was also a member of PEO Chapter FZ, Round Table Book Club, the Lawrence Music Club, and several bridge groups.

Jo Anne is survived by her loving husband of almost 62 years, Walter, and four children: Jan O’Neill and her husband Vince, Edmond OK; James Hicks, and his wife, Becky, Lawrence, KS; Jeffrey (J.D.) Hicks, and his wife, Carmen, Coppell, TX; and Jo Ellen Kasson, and her husband Steve, Lawrence, KS; eight grandchildren: Kyle O’Neill; Daniel O’Neill, and wife Kristen; and Anne O’Neill; Matthew Hicks; Aaron Hicks; Jon Hicks and wife Lindsay; Courtney and Kelsey Kasson and three great-grandchildren, Brenden O’Neill, Gabriel O’Neill, and Hunter Hicks; her sister, Barbara King and husband, Norbert and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Dustin Kasson.

Visitation will be held at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Tuesday, December 30, 6 pm to 8pm.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 31, 10am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, Kansas followed by interment at Mount Sidney Cemetery, Linwood, KS.

Memorials may be made in her name to Trinity Lutheran Church Music Program and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

2 Condolences

  1. Donna Elmer on December 30, 2014 at 10:21 am

    Walter and family: I have no words to express my feelings as I learned of the passing of my friend, Jo. My prayers for you and yours are coming from my heart, with love.



  2. Mary Jo (Bryant) Gould on December 30, 2014 at 5:51 pm

    Saw of Jo Anne’s passing in the K.C. paper. I just want to send my sympathies to Walter. Mary Jo (Bryant) Gould



Leave a Condolence