AVA, Ill. — Larry Steven Hickey, 74, of Ava, Illinois, formerly of this area passed away May 22, 2022, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, IL.

Born February 24, 1948, in Iuka, IL, he was the son of Estel L. and Edith (Featherly) Hickey.

Graveside funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at the Iuka Cemetery with Dr. Andy DeWitt officiating.

The family invites you to gather with them prior to the service hour at the cemetery. There is no public visitation hour. Military Honors will be accorded at the graveside by the Salem American Legion Post #128.

Memorials may be made to the Salem American Legion Post #128 and will be received by the Sutherland – Rankin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 97, 310 N. Broadway, Salem, IL 62881 618-548-1234, entrusted with the family’s care. Online condolence may be left at sutherlandfuneralhome.com.

Larry was a veteran of the United States Army, faithfully serving as a Sergeant. He received a number of awards and commendations including The Air Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, the Good Conduct Medal, three Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts. He was a manufacturing laborer prior to being disabled. He loved fishing on Kinkaid Lake or a neighboring pond, being a jokester and being with his faithful dog.

He married Margie Gill on July 4, 1992, and she preceded him in death.

Survivors include his biological children, Kelly Wood and husband Chuck, and Deric Rice, all of Salem, IL along with grandchildren Ashley Bachman of Salem, Zach Bachman of Princeton, IN. a great-granddaughter, Braylee Bachman and the mother of his children Debra A. (Guymon) Dodd of Salem, IL. Also his sister, Karen McIntosh of Centralia, IL.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Rick Hickey.