Pastor Harold Hicks

Harold Joe Hicks died peacefully at his son’s home in Topeka, Kansas.

He was born to the late Rev. Isaiah and Lucille Hicks on October 9, 1944 in Roswell, New Mexico.  Harold received his formal education through the Albuquerque, New Mexico school system where he excelled in his studies.

Upon graduation, Harold left Albuquerque and relocated to Los Angeles, California where he met and married the love of his life, Marilyn Ann Barber.  While in California, he was a traveling salesmen working in the women’s clothing industry.  The happy couple left sunny California and moved to the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado in the early 1970s.  In Denver, Harold was an entrepreneur – he opened a candy shop called Mr. Sweet’s Stuff and a variety of other business endeavors.

Harold accepted Christ at an early age under his father’s guidance at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in New Mexico. He was a drummer for the children’s choir at the church as well as in the marching band in high school.  As a young adult, he played the drums in various groups throughout the city.  One of the highlights of his musical life was the opportunity to play back-up for both Ray Charles & B.B. King while they were performing in Albuquerque.  Harold was a lover of all different types of music from blues to gospel and could always be heard singing or whistling a tune.

His love of the Lord stayed with him throughout his life.  Harold first served as a deacon at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church under Dr. Acen L. Phillips until he accepted his call to preach.  Then, he served faithfully as pastor of the 8:00am worship service at Mt. Gilead before being called to pastor his first church - New Mission Baptist Church.  After 10 years, it was later where his spiritual journey led him to another assignment – to serve as pastor of Mt. Carmel Community Baptist Church.  While at Mt. Carmel, Pastor Hicks accomplished many things including “The Dream on the Hill” which was building the church at the corner of 26th & Vine.  He retired after more than 25 years pastoring at Mt. Carmel and was blessed to have a number of sons and daughters in the ministry.

After retiring, Harold joined House of Hope Christian Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Richard Lewis where he joined the leadership staff.  Upon Marilyn’s death, Harold went to live with his son, daughter and grandchildren in Topeka, Kansas and became a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.

Harold’s true passion was teaching others.  He had a love for the young preachers – always opening his pulpit to train anyone willing to listen & learn.  Although he was a man of few words, when he spoke, his words had a lasting impact on the lives of those who listened.   “Hast though not known? Hast though not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?  There is no searching of his understanding.”  Isaiah 40:28 KJV

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn and brothers, Isaiah (Lois) Hicks, Jr., Willie James (Jean) Hicks and brothers-in-law, CL Herrington and Mark Barber.

He leaves to cherish his memory his two sons – Pastor Tracy (Joan) of Topeka, Kansas and Minister Stacy (Shentella) of Phoenix, Arizona; spiritual son & daughter – Deacon Kenneth Sr. & Jean Crowley of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren – DeAndre, Tracee, Stacie Ann, Shiloh, Kenneth II, Jayana, and Tinesya; sisters – Eva Lois (Curtis) Miner & Stella May Herrington both of San Diego, CA; brother-in-law, Alonzo (Elaine) Barber, Jr. of Edmond, OK; sisters-in-law, Angelia (Ricky) Reece of Jacksonville, NC and YoLanda (Rev. Gary) Wallace of Biloxi, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Let your good be better and your better be blessed!