Delbert Wilson Hicks, II

Delbert Wilson Hicks II, 65, of Odessa, TX passed away on June 27, 2021, at his home in Odessa,

TX. Delbert was born on April 23, 1956, to James Oren "Sonney" and Irless Imojene (Moore) Hicks in

Odessa, TX. He married Cynthia Denise (Ingram) on January 8, 1977, in Odessa, TX.

Delbert was a beloved son, an only child, and spent his childhood in Odessa, TX, Big Lake, TX,

and Hobbs, NM. He graduated from Hobbs High School in 1974.

Delbert met the love of his life, Cindi, in the summer of 1974. Delbert and Cindi were best

friends and soul mates. They enjoyed spending time together renovating houses, both for themselves

and for friends and family, and maintained this hobby over their 44 years of marriage. Cindi describes

him as a "fine wine" which just got better with age. He loved her fiercely in a way that she didn't even

realize was possible.

Delbert was a one-of-a-kind father and grandfather (Poppa). He was selfless and understood the

importance of quality time with family, whether it be a family get-together, fishing, attending

motorsports events, helping renovate a house, or sitting on the porch at the lake watching the sunset.

He was a supportive father, always willing to listen and provide wisdom and advice when needed. He

loved his two grandchildren, Mason Hadley and Layla Pearl with all his heart. He enjoyed teaching them

to fish, drive a golf cart, and just enjoy the great outdoors, at the lake. He was such a kind and loving

Poppa, who will be dearly missed.

Delbert worked many jobs over the course of his life, including owning a business as well as

working in retail and sales. He found his true calling as a teacher later in life and began teaching at age

48. Delbert spent the last four and a half years of his career as a middle school math teacher at Compass

Academy Charter School in Odessa, TX. He made an enormous impact on the lives of many students and

fellow teachers in such a short time, and enjoyed all the messages he received from past students after

his diagnosis and subsequent retirement. Delbert loved teasing and joking with both students and

teachers at Compass and after retiring to pursue treatment full time, many teachers and students said

they missed his sense of humor, daily teasing and bantering.

Delbert was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in November 2020. He fought so hard

over the course of the disease, maintaining a positive outlook and cherishing his time with family and

friends. He is survived by his wife, Cindi Hicks; two sons, Dr. Mason Gage Hicks (Ashley) and Preston

Harrison Hicks (Jacob Bernal); two grandchildren, Mason Hadley Hicks and Layla Pearl Hicks; and his

aunt, Miss Beverly Ann Hicks. He is preceded in death by his parents, James "Sonney" and Imojene

(Moore) Hicks.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bajaj, Kendra, and the staff at Texas Oncology along with the

staff at Star Hospice in Odessa for the care and comfort that was provided. In lieu of flowers, the family

asks that donations be made to Compass Academy Charter School. Checks can be mailed to: Compass

Academy Charter School, 5530 Billy Hext Rd, Odessa, TX 79765, "In Memory of Delbert Hicks." A

celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at 10:00 am at American Heritage

Cemetery Funeral Home Crematory, 4100 FM1788, Midland, TX 79707. For those who are unable to attend

physically, a virtual live stream will also be available.

LINKS

AMERICAN HERITAGE (OBITS)

http://thehealingstartshere.com

Odessa American

http://www.oaoa.com