Gary Allen Hickerson

Gary Allen Hickerson was born March 7, 1971, in Farmington, New Mexico and passed away on January 8, 2026. He was a devoted husband, a gentle and kind father, a faithful follower of Jesus, and a man whose life was marked by love, service, and steady devotion to his family and faith.

Gary was one of six boys and was influenced early by his father, a foreign car specialist and novice contemporary painter. From a young age, Gary learned the value of patience, craftsmanship, and care. He learned auto-body refinishing from his brother and mentor, Robert Hickerson, while restoring his first car—a salvaged Volkswagen Beetle. After the heartbreaking loss of his brother, Gary turned more deeply toward his faith and his love for creating with his hands.

Gary grew up in Farmington, New Mexico, and later moved during his childhood. He graduated from Durango High School in Durango, Colorado, in 1989. He attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he met his future wife, Carrie Dawn Redding. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. In 1999, Gary was hired by Six Flags Corporation as an artist, where he carved Warner Bros. characters and props.

On April 1, 2000, Gary married the love of his life, Carrie, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, at University Heights Baptist Church. Together, they built a life grounded in faith in Jesus, creativity, service, and family.

Gary later continued his education at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his Master’s degree in Sculpture. During this season of life, Gary and Carrie welcomed their daughter, Chloe Arabella Hickerson, born May 1, 2003. Their family grew again with the birth of their son, Samuel Allen Hickerson, born August 19, 2010.

To his children, Gary was a gentle and patient father—fun, adventurous, and deeply loving. He delighted in creating things for them with his hands, building spaces for imagination and play. Whether exploring the outdoors or working on a project together, Gary made his children feel seen and loved, and he approached fatherhood with kindness, joy, and intention.

Gary had the rare ability to see the potential in things others could not. Much of his art was created from reclaimed materials, reflecting his deep faith. Gary often said this was how Jesus sees people—not as they are, but as what they can become. He believed that just as he would patiently sand a piece for hours before applying a flawless, high-gloss finish, Jesus works in our lives to purify, renew, and restore us, making us whole and without blemish.

Beyond his role as husband and father, Gary loved hiking, camping, and rock climbing. He found joy in serving others and helping people fix things, never hesitating to give his time or talents. His life was a quiet testimony of faith lived out through humility, generosity, and love.

Gary will be remembered most for his deep faith in Jesus, his steadfast love for his wife, his gentle and joyful devotion to his children, and the way he built a life rooted in love.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carrie Hickerson of Stillwater, Oklahoma; his children, Chloe Arabella Proctor and husband Jacob Alan Proctor of Owasso, Oklahoma, and Samuel Allen Hickerson; his siblings, Carl Hickerson and wife Shirley of Diamond, Missouri; Ronald Hickerson and wife Rose of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Craig Hickerson and wife MarKay Hickerson of Longview, Texas; and Keith Hickerson and wife Trisha of New Braunfels, Texas; his parents-in-law, Glen and Karen Redding; his brother-in-law, Corey Redding and wife Courtney; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Pauline Hickerson, and his brother, Robert Hickerson.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00am at Sunnybrook Christian Church in Stillwater.