Larry Woodrow Hicks, 77, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 3:56 pm September 22, 2025 at Saint Louis University Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri after a tragic accident in Mount Vernon. He was born January 12, 1948 in Mount Vernon to the late Woodrow Jennings and Helen Doris (Rowland) Hicks.
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brother, Ricky Lynn Hicks.
Larry is survived by his son, Jeffrey Hicks of Mount Vernon; daughter, Brianna Prince of Woodlawn, Illinois; special friend, Sheila Lambrich of Mt. Vernon; grandchildren, Maverick, Mason, Kelsey, Shelby, and Elisabeth; two great-grandchildren; brother, Wayne Hicks and wife, Patti of Mount Vernon; and several deeply loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Larry was well-known here in Mount Vernon. He graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School in 1966 and attended college at Eastern Illinois University of Charleston followed by the University of Chicago. He occasionally attended Calvary Church with his brother, Wayne.
Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict as a decorated helicopter pilot. He graduated from Infantry Officers Candidate School (OCS). Upon completion of earning his bar as Lieutenant in the US Army, he requested helicopter flight school in Pensacola, Florida, successfully completed it, and then served another year in Vietnam. He was recommended for a Silver Star three times, but downgraded to Distinguished Flying Crosses for Heroism of Extraordinary Achievement in aerial flight operations. In the US Army, the DFC is awarded and is indicated by Oak-Leaf Clusters. It is the highest award and oldest military aviation award in America.
Larry became a Mount Vernon precinct committeeman for many years, serving on Jefferson County Board for almost two years before becoming an Illinois State Representative from 1980-1992. He served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the Illinois House. Larry was appointed by President Bill Clinton to be a liaison to the Secretary of Army for eight years.
Larry owned and operated Air-Land and Sea, Inc. selling ambulances throughout the Midwest. He also co-owned a business with Chuck and Dee Hicks until Chuck’s passing. Lastly, He and his good friend Kent Renshaw co-owned a bucket truck doing work on their respective businesses.
To have Larry as a friend was the greatest gift anyone could ask for. He was generous to a fault, with his time, his knowledge, and energy. To know Larry was to feel loved and encompassed by him. He will be greatly missed by many people!
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Memorial Service will begin at 3:00 pm with Reverend Frank Gilbert officiating. Inurnment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Vernon at a later date. Memorials may be made in Larry’s honor to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.