Vernon Harold Hickman, 85, died September 20, 2015 at his home in Barnard.

Vernon was born June 14, 1930 on a farm north of Barnard to Austin and Irene (Pierce) Hickman. He was the oldest of five children. Vernon graduated from Barnard High School and farmed until he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He spent 2 years in the Army stationed in Germany. When he returned from the Army he left farming to start a dirt construction business, many of the ponds and terraces around this area were built by Hickman and Sons Construction. During those years Vernon met and married the love of his life Bette Reno, a widow originally from St Louis. When he married Bette he was blessed with 4 children, Rick, Barb, Michael and Douglas and the next year Amy was born.

Vernon later bought the service stations in Barnard and Ada, worked as a mechanic at Quartzite Stone Company in Lincoln, and the Engine Exchange in Salina. Later in life after he retired, although those who knew him know he never really retired, he felt a calling to help others. He started Energy Plus and ministered to many people through alternative medicine at his offices in Minneapolis and Salina. Vernon also worked for the City of Barnard, taking care of the little town he loved. He was always very active in his church and was loved by many.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife Bette in 2007, son Douglas, brothers Don and Dean.

He is survived by his children, Rick and Kim Reno of Harrison, Arkansas, Barb and Bradd Smith of Sequim, Washington, Michael Reno of Florida, and Amy Clark of Tescott, Kansas, 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, sisters Lois Pixler and Laura Godsey.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday October 3, 2015 at Wilson Family Funeral Home in Minneapolis followed by a time of fellowship for friends and family at the Scout Hall in Markley Grove Park. Memorial contributions made to the Vernon H. Hickman Memorial Fund and may be sent to Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467