Col. Milford Lee Hickam
May 15, 1934 – March 30, 2024
Colonel Milford Lee Hickam was Promoted to Glory on March 30, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska.
Lee was born in Prairie Home, Missouri on May 15, 1934, to Ernest J. Hickam and Mary Grace Lewis. He was then raised by his stepmother, Marie Hickam. He is pre-deceased by his parents, stepparents, and siblings, Nadine, Ernest, Jimmy, and Peggy, eight half siblings, and his son-in-law, Captain Scott (Carol) Lewis.
As a young teen he was selling newspapers and followed the Army band to the St. Louis 7th Street corps. His future sister-in-law Mary prayed with him at the altar where he gave his heart to the Lord. He was known for his beautiful tenor singing voice and would become an excellent bandsman, playing first chair euphonium in both the corps and College for Officer Training (SFOT) bands. He was enrolled as a Senior Soldier in June 1951 and was a member of the corps cadets, band, and other corps activities. Lee was also an accomplished boxer in the Golden Gloves. He said often that it kept him off the streets. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, vacations with his family and was an excellent baseball player. Lee especially loved attending camps at The Salvation Army Camp. Envoy Fagle, corps officer, took Lee under his mentorship, and worked with Lee in the application process to become a Salvation Army officer. Lee entered the Soul Winners Session of the College for Officer Training in Chicago, Illinois in September 1954. There he met his future wife, Cadet Patricia Driskell, and the couple were “secretly engaged” on November 10, 1956. Lee was commissioned and ordained as a Salvation Army officer June 13, 1955, and sent as a Probationary Lieutenant to West Plains, Missouri to assist, and then to Sedalia, Missouri. Lee and Pat were married on June 22, 1957, and served together as corps officers (pastors) in Cairo, Illinois.
Subsequent appointments included two corps appointments as corps officers (pastors) with divisional and territorial appointments including divisional youth leaders, Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Division (1966); Divisional Secretary and Divisional Commander, Kansas and Western Missouri Division (1971 forward); Divisional Commander, Western Division (Omaha, 1978 and 1996); Secretary for Personnel, Central Territory (Chicago, 1990), and Chief Secretary (Moscow, Russia; 1993). Lee and Pat were personally selected by General Eva Burrows to the appointment in Moscow to re-open the work of The Salvation Army in Russia upon the fall of Communism. Lee’s conviction to accept all of his appointments as from the Lord, advice he gave to many officers, gave him the courage to follow that calling to Moscow. Lee was appointed by The Salvation Army as a delegate to the International College for Officers in 1971 and in 1980. Lee held two post-retirement positions, one in Service Extension and the last in the divisional Property Department. Some of Lee’s favorite years were in camp leadership at Army Lake, Mo-Kan (Three Trails) and Gene Eppley Camps.
The hallmark of Lee’s ministry was humility and servant leadership, and he was lovingly referred to by his five children as “the godliest man we know.” His love for the Lord and for people was evident in everything he did. He loved his family and made time for them, passing on the music gifted to him by God. He was never too busy to make Saturday morning pancakes and Sunday dinner for his family. Lee and Pat were devoted parents and devoted ministry partners. Lee believed in prayer – often his children would find him on his knees having his time with the Lord. He was a servant leader to the officers under his care and many still recall a letter, phone call, or card from Lee in which he would pray and encourage them. When visiting officers, he always included gifts for their children, a memory still spoken of by many officers today.
Pat and Lee retired from active Salvation Army service in 1999 and resided in Omaha, Nebraska where they continued to serve the Lord in their church, The Salvation Army Omaha Citadel Corps. Lee and Pat were faithful members of the corps band and songster (choir) groups. While Colonel Pat was involved with missions and music, Colonel Lee was often found praying with people at the altar. He truly was a Soul Winner!
Lee is survived by his wife of 66 years, Colonel Pat Hickam, his five children: Major Pat (Jim) Irvine of Kalamazoo, MI, Jim (Annette) Hickam of Omaha, NE, Major Carol (Jack) Huffman, of Wyoming, MI, Major Carla (Greg) Voeller of Carpentersville, IL, and Chris (Jack) Docken, of Blair, NE; 13 grandchildren: Bryan (Laura) Hickam, Shawn (Krystal) Hickam, Shannon (Michael) Pivovar, Shane (Maggie Blazek) Docken, and Samantha Docken of Omaha, NE; Andrew Hickam of Tecumseh, NE; Jennifer (Riley) Hoelting of Gretna, NE; Nathan (Danielle) Irvine of Milwaukee, WI; Jeremy (Rachel) Irvine of Smithfield, PA; Christopher (April) Sparks of Kalamazoo, MI; Captain Brandon (Megan) Lewis of Evansville, IN; Lt. Haylee (Matthew) Winters of Holland, MI, and Evan (Kaylee) Lewis of Wayland, MI; 16 great grandchildren: Judah Irvine, Jackson and Liam Hickam, Jaxson and Lyla Pivovar, Bella Hickam, Nova Hickam, Skylar and Mason Hoelting, Griffin and Joanna Lewis, Amelia and Addison Winters, and Phoenix, Axl, and Grace Blazek. The 17th great grandchild is due in May. Three grandchildren are Salvation Army officers: Captain Brandon (Megan) Lewis (Evansville, IN) and Lieutenants Haylee (Voeller) and Matthew Winters (Holland, MI).
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant!”
A Celebration of Life Service is to be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. with visitation at 5:00 p.m., at The Salvation Army Omaha Citadel Corps, 3738 Cuming Street, Omaha. Memorials may be sent to The Salvation Army Omaha Citadel Corps.
The Hickam family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the many prayers and thoughts from so many ministry colleagues, employees, and friends.
Cards of Comfort may be sent to:
Colonel Pat Hickam, 14325 Eagle Run Drive, Suite 705, Omaha, NE 68164
Major Pat and Jim Irvine, 4225 Kingsbrook Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Jim and Annette Hickam, 4960 S. 175th Street, Omaha, NE 68135
Majors Greg and Carla Voeller, 3810 Parsons Road, Carpentersville, IL 60192
Majors Jack and Carol Huffman, 2773 Gullmont Drive SW, Wyoming, MI. 49418
Chris and Jack Docken, 16753 County Road P33, Blair, NE. 68008
3 Comments
I first met (then Major) Hickam in 1978 when he was appointed to be the Western Division Commander.
In 2008 when I returned to The Salvation Army he and Col. Pat were attending The Omaha Citadel Corps.
In 2010 I accepted a position at Citadel which allowed me to visit Col. Lee on many occasions when I had to go to DHQ on errands for the Corps.
He was never to busy to talk about anything.
I last saw my friend a few months ago when he and Col. Pat were able to attend services at Omaha Citadel.
While I am saddened by the passing of my friend, I rejoice in the fact that he is in eternity with his Lord and Savior whom he faithfully served for many years.
Rest in Paradise my friend.
Colonel was the epitome of integrity. He was a stellar example of not only a Salvation Army Officer should be like but also what a man in general should strive after. I have always had the highest respect and admiration for him. Our condolences go out to the entire family during this most difficult time. May you be comforted beyond all understanding. Blessing to you. Majors Joe and Lisa Irvine, AKA brother Joe
Prayers and sympathy.. You two were wonderful Christians and great examples. God keep you in His care. Thank you for serving the Lord.
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