Obituary of Craig Hickman

Arlie Craig Hickman was born on December 11, 1951 in Tulsa Oklahoma to Arlie William and Dorothy (Pugh) Hickman. He passed away on February 26, 2020. Craig was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was nicknamed “Samson” at a very early age when he was caught pushing himself up off his stomach with his arms & looking about the room. The name was shortened to “Sam” as he grew older. He graduated from Will Rogers High School and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Craig was interested in cars, playing the guitar and pretty women. He had beautiful handwriting & was skillful in art work. Due to his interest in cars, he was drawn to a career in automobile part sales. He was a highly respected manager of parts departments for various auto dealerships, beginning in high school as an employee at Chick Norton Buick. Later he was a manager for a GoodYear Tire store in Tulsa. While in the Marines, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Records indicate he was a Corporal and a Motor Vehicle Operator/ heavy truck driver with an honorable discharge. Vietnam experience is unclear. It is known he was out of contact with family for several months. His explanation with a chuckle, was “Mediterranean Cruise”. At one time he mentioned they were in International waters off the coast of Vietnam. While at the VA office, an officer mentioned “search & rescue”. Craig had many serious health issues for at least 20 years which were most likely related to his military service. Craig was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Jim Johnson, sister-in-law Susan Hickman and many precious cousins. Craig was divorced with no children. He is survived by his sister, Arline Johnson, brother, Anthony Hickman; two nieces, Renee Hyght and Amy Barnes and a nephew, Bob Johnson; great nieces & nephews, Rachel Yoder, Hailee Mosier, Bethany Johnson, Lora Johnson, Michael Johnson & Colton Barnes. Funeral service 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at the Ninde Brookside Chapel. Interment with military honors will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery.