F. Diane Hickman

CARBONDALE – F. Diane “Cookie” Hickman, 74, of Carbondale passed away Monday, May 2, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, MO.



Diane was born on November 19, 1941 to Vernon and Virginia (Bain) Biggs in Chicago. She married Ronald Duane Hickman on January 18, 1975 in Carbondale and he survives. They were married for over 40 years.



Other survivors include two daughters, Catherine Jean Biggs of Carbondale and Casey Jean (fiancé Georgio Miller) Hickman of Oak Park; brother, Gene (Donna) Biggs of Paducah, KY; one son, Bruce Engel of Augusta; grandchildren, Jami Moore of Carbondale, Tiffany Engel, Skylar (August) O’Neal, Brandee Chockley, Mikie Engel, and Johnnie Engel; great grandchildren, Elijah and Jeliyah Moore, Dean O’Neal, Jaxxynn and Jason Chockley; brother-in-law, Douglas Hickman of Carbondale; nephews, Barry, Jim and Kevin; nieces Amy and Gay; and many great nieces. Also surviving are many beloved dogs and cats.



She is preceded in death by her parents; niece Jill White; and brother-in-law, Larry Hickman



Diane was a long time member, organist and pianist of Grace United Methodist Church in Carbondale. She enjoyed visiting and playing the piano at the Senior Citizen Center in Carbondale for many years. She worked for Southern Illinois University of Carbondale for 34 years in many clerical positions until her retirement in 1998.



Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 9, 2016 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Rev. Larry Gilbert officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Grove Memorial Park, Murphysboro. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.



Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to the Humane Society of the United States or American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and will be accepted by the funeral home.