Donald H. “Hondo” Hickerson, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Tennessee State Veterans Home, surrounded by the comfort and care of those who loved him. His life was marked by unwavering dedication to his family, faithful service to his country, and a lifelong commitment to helping others.
Don was born on February 20, 1941, in LaFollette, Tennessee, to the late Eldridge and Florence Hickerson. As the oldest of eleven children, he learned early the values of responsibility, hard work, and looking after those around him. During his childhood, the family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, before eventually returning to Manchester, Tennessee, where Don would build many lifelong friendships and memories.
While attending high school in Manchester, Don excelled as a football player and proudly helped lead his team through an undefeated and untied season, a remarkable accomplishment that remains part of the school’s history. Following graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army.
Don completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, before being stationed in Oakland, California, where his exceptional character and leadership earned him the Outstanding Soldier Award. His military service then took him overseas, serving thirteen months in South Korea followed by eleven months in France. He faithfully fulfilled every assignment with honor and integrity before receiving an Honorable Discharge.
After returning home, Don attended business college and began a successful career in the financial and insurance industries. He worked in the finance department at J.C. Bradford before becoming an insurance agent with Life and Casualty, where his dedication and work ethic earned him the prestigious National Top Sales Agent Award. He later continued his professional career with Retail Credit.
Eventually settling in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Don’s passion for sports extended beyond his own playing days. He devoted countless hours to coaching young athletes in the Junior Pro City League, finding great joy in encouraging children to develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
A man of many talents, Don enjoyed writing heartfelt songs for members of his family, creating lasting gifts that reflected his love for those closest to him. He also loved working with his hands and took great pride in helping build a family cabin along the beautiful Cumberland River, where treasured memories were made.
Don later found his true calling in law enforcement when he joined the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Throughout his distinguished 26-year career, he faithfully served the citizens of Robertson, Wilson, and Sumner Counties before transferring to the Governor’s Residence, where he served with professionalism and honor for seven years. His dedication to protecting and serving others earned the respect of both his fellow officers and the communities he faithfully served until his retirement.
Above all else, Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His greatest joy was found in his family, and he leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, integrity, and unwavering love. Whether through his service, his music, his encouragement, or simply the example he set each day, Don touched the lives of countless people and will be remembered with deep affection by all who knew him.
Don was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church, where his faith remained an important foundation throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Eldridge and Florence Hickerson, and his sister, Genvea.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 61 years, Delores Hickerson; his cherished daughter, Dana; his three adored grandchildren, Reed, Wyatt, and Darby; his sisters, Jewell, Betty, Barbara (Vance), and Pat; and his brothers, Jimmy (Brenda), Billy (Cynthia), Tommy (Pearline), Bobby (Tracy), and Jerry (Brenda), along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were richly blessed by knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made in Don’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Visitation for Mr. Hickerson will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Manchester Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Entombment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
Manchester Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hickerson family during this time of loss.
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