Walter Preston Hicks aka “Bimbo” and “Poppi”, was born on December 9, 1959, in Monahans, Texas. Walter and his family later moved and lived in Odessa where he attended Odessa High School. During high school he discovered his talent with music, especially the saxophone, where he was always first chair in the band. Walter graduated from OHS in 1978. He carried his love for music and strong work ethic throughout his entire life.
On May 9, 1981, Walter married the love of his life, Lisa Smith, in Fluvana, Texas, in a ceremony officiated by Lisa’s great aunt, LaNette Patterson. Loving Lisa was the greatest joy and purpose of Walter’s life.
Growing up in Odessa, Walter learned and developed a love for the oilfield from his father Gayle, where he helped him with LNH Oil Company, the family business. Walter also proudly served as a fireman in Odessa. In 1991, Walter and Lisa and the three children moved to Brownwood to his parents’ family farm to help. He continued his profession as a fireman in Brownwood and dedicated himself to protecting others. He was a protector not only in his profession but to his family. After leaving the Brownwood Fire Department in 2000, he returned to the oilfield where his travels took him to Wyoming, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Mexico. He then had the opportunity to travel to Egypt, Brazil, South Korea, Singapore and South Africa. But home was always in Mills County on the family farm. Walter currently worked for Trinity Resources in North Texas, where he got to work with his partner in crime and friend of 30 years, Donnie Tibbitts.
Walter passed away on January 5th, 2026, at the farm he loved so deeply. He is now reunited in Heaven with his parents, Lois and Gayle Hicks. Walter is also preceded in death by siblings Timothy Lance Evans, Joyce Marie Chancy and Martha Nell Chancy.
He is survived by his beloved wife Lisa Hicks; his 3 children Krystal Butler and husband Chad of Zephyr, Jared Hicks and wife Jessica of Tuscola, and Jordan Hicks of Brownwood; his grandchildren Jayden, Keelee, Slade, Sawyer, Millie, Rhyley, Chayni, and Khane, who were the light of his life. As well as siblings, Brenda (Kenneth) Vaughn, Charles “Chuck” Hicks, Velva (Cory) McKee, Leslie Chancy, Jerry (Sharon) Chancy, James (Debra) Chancy.
There was nothing Walter couldn’t fix, from a vehicle to woodworking or any home repair you can imagine. Though tough and hardworking, he was gentle, patient and tender with his grandchildren. Walter will be known as “Superman” to his kids because he could and would do anything for them. He always showed up for those in need and lived his life with integrity. Walter had a love and soft spot for animals, especially his dogs. Walter will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, fireman and protector.
Scripture
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
Walter will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2:00-4:00pm at Blaylock Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be Monday, January 12, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Varga Chapel Cemetery in San Saba, Texas.
Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood in charge of arrangements.
