Ed Hicks, 71, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana with his loving family by his side.  He was born on June 10, 1950, in Wabash County, Illinois, the son of Ellsworth and Helen (Hensley) Hicks.  He married Janet Wood on March 30, 1978, and together they enjoyed thirty-six years of marriage until her passing on May 20, 2014. 

 Ed had an extensive career in law enforcement.  He was a Mount Carmel Police Officer for seventeen years, retiring as Assistant Chief of Police.  He then held a position at Southwest Indiana Regional Youth Village for twenty years.  The last four years of full-time employment was spent with the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office as the Jail Administrator which was his favorite job of all.  He also served as a Police and Fire Commissioner.  Ed was currently serving as a Deputy Coroner with the Wabash County Coroner’s Office and Chairman of the Wabash County Republican Committee.  Ed really liked to keep busy, and his two recent part-time jobs did just that.  He was a valued asset to the team at Keepes Funeral Home, always willing to do whatever was needed, and he really enjoyed his job as Transportation Director for the Faulkner Automotive dealership.  Ed greatly enjoyed helping his grandson, Blake with his endeavors and served as Vice President of Blake Pearson Farms LLC.  Ed was always willing to lend a helping hand where needed.  He treasured his family, but you didn’t have to be blood related to be family to Ed.  Ed loved to mow and take care of his yard and enjoyed babysitting his grand dog, Jovie.  Visiting with friends at Fast-Break was something he enjoyed.   Ed loved his family and his grandchildren brought him great joy. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. 

 Ed leaves behind two sons, Jim Ed (Alyson) Hicks, Barry (Kim) Pearson; daughter-in-law, Amy Clodfelter; four grandchildren, Blake (Libby Eastin) Pearson, Brooke (Colton) Bosecker, Kasey Pearson, Kami Pearson, Jackson Hicks; great granddaughter, Kyslee Pflaum; significant other, Debby Garrett; adopted grandchildren, Addi, Cole and Remi Carmickle; good friend and neighbor,Tom Compton, along with many close friends. 

 Ed was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Janet; son, Bruce Pearson; and brother, Jimmy Hicks.

 Family and friends may gather for a Memorial Visitation from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 14, 2021, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.  

 In accordance with the recommendation of the CDC and the IDPH, masks will be required. 

A private burial will take place at Highland Memorial Cemetery where Ed will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Janet.

 Memorial contributions may be made in Ed’s memory to the Wabash County Sheriff’s educational fund and will be accepted at the Visitation or may be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry St., Mt. Carmel, IL  62863.

 Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.  To view Ed’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Hicks family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.