David Lee Hickman Sr.

David Lee Hickman, Sr. was welcomed into this world by his loving parents, William Kenneth Hickman, Sr. and Annie Bell Johnson Hickman. He grew and thrived surrounded by the love of his many brothers, sisters, and extended family.

David married the love of his life, Evelyn Durham, on April 29, 1972, and together they were blessed to celebrate 53 years of marriage.

David proudly served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged following his tour of duty.

He received his education in Springfield, graduating from Southeast High School. David continued his studies at Lincoln Land Community College and the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. He later completed graduate coursework at the U.S. Postal Academy in Washington, D.C., along with additional managerial business classes. After a successful and distinguished career, David retired in 2010 after 42 years of service with the United States Postal Service, during which he received numerous commendations and service awards.

David attended Union Baptist Church, the Hickman family’s church home during his upbringing in Springfield. He was baptized at Salem Baptist Church in Champaign and was especially proud of the Hickman family’s legacy of service at Union Baptist Church, which continues to this day.

In his retirement years, David enjoyed spending meaningful time with family and friends. He generously gave of his time through volunteer service, including serving as Treasurer of the Martin Luther King Jr. for Justice Scholarship Committee under the leadership of Pastor Claude E. Shelby, Sr.

David also found joy in riding his special motorcycle, sharing relaxing rides with his sons and friends. Those who knew David knew his serious, no-nonsense demeanor, balanced by his deep devotion and protective love for his family.

David was preceded in death by his father, William Kenneth Hickman, Sr.; his mother, Annie Bell Hickman; two brothers, William Kenneth Hickman, Jr. and Michael DeWayne Hickman; and one adopted brother, August Johnson III.

In addition to his devoted wife, Evelyn, David leaves to cherish his memory three children: Janae Monique, David Lee Hickman II, and Evan Duane, all of Savoy; two granddaughters, Daija and Jasmine; and one great-granddaughter, Laila Janae. He is also survived by three sisters, Patricia Howse (Floyd), Cheri Crisp, and Jennifer Hickman, all of Springfield, Illinois; two adopted sisters, Darcel Johnson of Springfield and Phyllis Fitzgerald of Kennesaw, Georgia; and a beloved goddaughter, Davia “DaDa” Smith of Denver, Colorado. David’s life is further cherished by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and special friends from the United States Postal Service.

A Memorial Service and Family Hour will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Champaign Chapel, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820. A Memorial Repast will follow at 6:00 p.m. at Northside Church of Christ, West Anthony Drive, Champaign, IL.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Union Baptist Church, 1405 East Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62703, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Arthur Moore. David will be laid to rest at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Please join David’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.