04/18/2024

Lewis B. Hickenbottom

Lewis Bingham Hickenbottom, fondly known simply as Lewis to friends and family he touched throughout his generous life, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024, in Hugo, Oklahoma. Born on October 29, 1941, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Lewis was a ray of light from the very beginning. His 82-year journey was marked by dedication to family, service to community, and unwavering faith.

A loving son to his late parents, Willie Lewis and Velma Ann (Bingham) Hickenbottom, Lewis was no stranger to the values of family and support, which he carried with him through the years. He was a devoted partner to his surviving second wife, Mickie Braudrick Hickenbottom, whom he married with great joy on August 16, 2008, in Hugo. This union brought together a blended family that Lewis cherished deeply. He found strength and happiness in the love shared with his children, Paul Alan Braudrick, Kimberly Lee, Kendel Hickenbottom and his wife Tonna, Kara Prentice and her husband Corey, and Geni Hutchins and her husband Joey. His legacy extends to his seventeen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren, each of whom brought immense pride and joy to his life.

Preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Conchita Gayl (Connie) Hickenbottom in 2007, and his beloved granddaughter, Alyssa Morse in 2016, Lewis's memory will forever be cherished, and his life celebrated by those who were fortunate to know him.

Lewis attended Tulsa University before refining his craft at Gupton Jones Mortuary College. Lewis was a pillar in his community, having served as a dedicated funeral director since 1966. He served several SE Oklahoma communities in his 50+ year career including McAlester, Hartshorne, Durant, Atoka, Antlers, Broken Bow, and Idabel. In 1990, he brought his expertise and compassion to Hugo, where he became an integral part of many lives, guiding families through times of loss with dignity and kindness.

Beyond his professional life, Lewis was an active member of the Hugo Lions Club and held a deep conviction in his faith at the Church of Christ where he served as an Elder for 20 years. His participation and service in these organizations were reflections of his innermost desire to make a positive difference in every life he touched.

The memory of Lewis Hickenbottom will be honored on Friday, April 19th, at 10 am at the Church of Christ, with Steve Harbison officiating. The family warmly invites friends to join them in remembrance on Thursday, the 18th, from 6-7 pm at Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Chapel. It is at these services, arranged with care by Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey, that we will bid farewell to a gentle soul who lived a life of purpose and left a lasting legacy of love.