Donald Lee Hicks, 78, of Festus died April 16, 2026, at his home. Mr. Hicks retired after teaching at Our Lady School in Festus and Windsor School in Imperial and serving for 22 years as the regional director of the National Education Association. He served for four years in the U.S. Navy, including two deployments during the Vietnam conflict. In his earlier years, he was active in politics, working for many candidates at the local, state, and national levels. He participated in numerous civic projects and was a member and president of the Board of Trustees at Jefferson College for 12 years. He was a member of Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus, American Legion Post 253, Knights of Columbus 1230 for 42 years and the Festus-Crystal City Elks Lodge 1721 for 45 years. He had a vast knowledge of exotic birds and home gardening. Born Dec. 28, 1947, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Yvonne (Henry) and James Hicks.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years: Susan (Wiese) Hicks; a son: Steven (Rashida) Hicks of Manchester; a granddaughter: Rosabelle Hicks; two sisters: Carrol (Ward) Griggs of St. Louis and Cheryl (John) Travison of Louisburg, Kan.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Ronald Hicks.
Visitation is scheduled from noon until services at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Burial with full military honors will follow in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to the Missouri Botanical Gardens or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.