Norman Franklin Hicks

Norman Franklin Hicks, 89, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away on October 27, 2024. Born on January 19, 1935, to Clarence and Viola (Byerley) Hicks, he spent his early years in Ava, Missouri, where he attended high school and played football, helped run the family business “The Y Store” and raised cattle on the family farm.  

On September 26, 1955, Norman married the love of his life, Allene (Enloe) Hicks. Their 69 years together were filled with love and devotion; he carried her picture in his pocket wherever he went, a testament to their deep bond. 

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, and Korean War Veteran, Norman served on submarines and held the position of Master at Arms, while stationed in Key West, Florida.  

After returning to Missouri, Norman worked for Colonial Bread Company, and served as a produce manager at Consumers Grocery Store. However, his true passion lay in furniture building. He started refinishing furniture in his garage and then turned the passion into a business. He founded Norman's Furniture known for solid oak furniture. He became the furniture craftsmen for Silver Dollar City and his work was displayed and sold at Silver Dollar City and all over the United States. “Just look for the big yellow rocker on the roof!” 

Norman was known for his remarkable mathematical skills and business ability.  

After retirement, he became intrigued by the machines at the casinos and made it his project to conquer the machines utilizing his mathematical genius abilities. 

Norman believed he was put on Earth to help people and to serve God with his life.  

Norman is survived by: his wife Allene Hicks; two daughters, Norma Ryan and her husband Mike, Debbie Burbee and her husband Jerry; five grandchildren, Chris Ryan and his partner Micahla Lovewell, Monte Ryan and his wife Becky, Amy Posterick and her husband Tyler, Michael Burbee and his wife Kristen, Joseph Burbee and his wife Delaney; four great grandchildren, Shannon Ryan, Benjamin Ryan, Ezekiel Burbee and Elena Burbee. 

Norman is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, a brother who died in infancy and a brother Robert Hicks and his wife Eva; three sisters, Joy Ledbetter and her husband Amos, Ruth Hermann and her husband Fred, Elsie Cudworth and her husband Paul. 

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. A committal service with full military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Missouri Veteran's Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.