Frederick Henry Hickman (31 Mar 1930 - 16 Jun 2025)

In loving memory of Frederick Henry Hickman who sadly passed away on 16th June 2025.
(Abridged)

Born in Brook Street Lye. Fred was very close to his brother and two sisters.

He was a keen footballer and avid Aston Villa supporter .

At the age of 14 he left Valley road school to start work on " The railway ".He worked as a Stoker until at the age 17 when it was time to start his National Service.

He loved his time in the army . He spent most of it in Germany. He said it was the time of his life.

When he completed his time in the army he returned home and resumed work on The railway.

He met a young Red headed girl on the bus one night. He recognised her from years earlier. Her name was Evelyn. He started chatting to her and asked her out to the pictures the following night. She became the love of his life.

They married in April 1953 and ejoyed a long and happy life together. They enjoyed holidays in Cornwall with his sister in law and brother in law Edna and Graham.

Fred moved Jobs and started work as a BT engineer, climbing the poles and installing telephone wires.

By 1973 Fred had decided to buy his first house.

While working in Cecil Sreet he saw a "For sale" sign go up on a house..He came down the pole knocked the door and agreed to buy the house. The deal was sealed with a hand shake.

Their next move was to Meriden Ave in 1976 where they enjoyed the rest of their married life .Fred and Evelyn never had children so they doted on each other.

Sadly Evelyn became ill in in 2017 and passed away after a short illness .They had been married for 64 .years . Fred never fully recovered.

Fred appreciated the support his Family,friends and neighbours gave him after he lost Evelyn. He reached 90 during lockdown and was surprised when "The Street" came out to sing Happy Birthday and "clap him". 👏. It made him cry. Thank you everyone.❤️