Virgil E. ‘Sonny’ Hicks Jr., 79, of rural South Whitley, Ind., passed away at 7:52 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, Ind.,where he was admitted the previous Thursday.

He was born March 3, 1935, in Huntington, Ind., a son of Virgil K. and Laura Elizabeth (Shellenbarger) Hicks. His formative years were spent on a farm in Washington Township, Whitley County. He graduated from Washington Center High School. On Sept. 4, 1954, she was united in marriage to Janel R. Ott. They made their home in Washington Township until 1962 when they moved to their home in Cleveland Township.

A livestock and grain farmer, he served in the Huntington National Guard from 1955 until 1965. His memberships include Columbia City Church of the Nazarene, 50-year member of Eel River Masonic Lodge, former chairman of the Democratic Party, former Whitley County Councilman and former Washington Township Volunteer Fireman.

He is survived by his wife: four children: Lora (Ray) Mata, Columbia City; Sue Southall, South Whitley; Thomas (Cindy) Hicks, Kendallville, Ind.; Margaret (Todd) Fry, South Whitley; seven grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and a brother: Terry (Pam) Hicks, South Whitley.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 pm. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene, 506 North Main Street. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Columbia City Church of the Nazarene.