Milton Hicks

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Milton Hicks, the steady grounding soul our family loved. Milton was born on March 9, 1951, to Mary Jane Burke and transitioned out of this life on the morning of January 21, 2026.

Driven by his desire to experience life, Milton lived in Dayton/Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lexington, Kentucky, prior to returning to Fort Wayne to be with his family. He obtained his GED in Cincinnati while perfecting his culinary skills.

Through his journey of 74 years, he touched many souls with his exceptional recipes and conversations at the table. Without a doubt, Thanksgiving meals were at his house. His signature chicken and dumplings were unmatched, and when asked, he would freely share all the steps required to make them, “HIS WAY”! His ability to gather loved ones around the table to eat was comforting and will never be forgotten. His recipes required a pinch of this and a little of that, but always included a handful of love. The table is where he displayed his gentle and loving heart; it was there that those around him knew he cared.

Milton learned to love and trust God early in life and never wavered. While cooking and listening to Gospel music, he would sing and rejoice in the Lord. He knew some things needed to simmer, others needed heat, and the best moments were often made eating a meal.

His last recipe remains, passed down not in words but in practice—every time we cook for someone we love, every time we set an extra plate, and every time we choose to sprinkle a little extra love to others. We will honor him by making that recipe again and again!

Left to pass on his recipes is his sister, Karen Hicks of Fort Wayne, IN; very special nieces, Mitzi (Melvin) Falkner and Tekoa Hicks, both of Fort Wayne, IN; nephews, Michael Hicks, Kevin Rowles, and Contrell (Kay) Johnson, all of Fort Wayne, Indiana. His great nephews and nieces, Melvin Falkner, Justin Whitlow, and Marcus Falkner, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Myron Falkner of Portland, OR., Dontrell Johnson of Cincinnati, OH, Mesha Falkner of Atlanta, Ga., DeJoyah (Quinton) Griffin, and Crystal Whitlow of Indianapolis, In. His favorite cousin, MaryAnn Carswell. His bestie, Randy, and his “wife” Niecy Bishop. A sprinkle of other great-great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  

Preceding him in death were his mother, Mary Jane Burke, a sister, Catherine Guy, and an honorary friend Christine McNeil.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.