Linda Sue King Hickman was born on August 9, 1944, and died at home surrounded by family on August 8, 2026.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband of sixty-two years, Robert, who tenderly cared for her at home during her final months; her children, Robin Phillips and her husband Larry; Susanna Bartee and her husband Shane; and John Hickman and his wife Julie; grandchildren Sidney Phillips and his wife Rachel, with great-grandchildren Hadley, Rhett and Scout; Abigail Bartee, Henry Phillips, Hannah Bartee, Hank Bartee and his wife Moriah, Meribeth Phillips, Lucy Bartee, Sully Hickman, Samuel (Hutch) Bartee, Helen Hickman, and Adam Bartee; and her sister, Betty Skinner and her husband Robert. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sul Ross and Lucille King; and her daughter, Mary Beth Hickman.

Linda was born with exceptional gifts of creativity and energy and spent her life serving everyone around her with those gifts. Dying on the eve of her 82nd birthday, she spent every season of her life loving fully with everything God gave her.

Linda was born and raised in Oak Cliff where she lived until founding Fish Creek Ranch in Cooke County, Texas, with Robert in 1990. The two worked for more than 14 years serving dozens of at-risk teenage boys working the land, cattle, and other livestock on the rocky, wooded acreage they both loved. Prior to life at Fish Creek, Linda was a talented artist who instructed many students over the years at home and later at Tyler Street Christian Academy. The couple bought a historic home in Oak Cliff in 1974 and worked with neighbors to establish the Winnetka Heights Historic District, which Linda served as president for many years. Linda’s final few years found her establishing a new home with Robert in Pottsboro where she was near most of her family and right next door to “the littles” – her beloved great-grandchildren.

Faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of Linda’s life. She was raised in a family who was present at Tyler Street United Methodist Church every time the doors were open. In high school, she met Robert in TSUMC’s church balcony, and they married at the altar in 1964. Linda was a lifelong reader of Scripture and devoted many hours of her life to Bible study, children and youth ministry, and church leadership at Tyler Street and church homes later in her life, including Sivells Bend Methodist Church and Post Oak Fellowship.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Sidney Phillips, Henry Phillips, Hank Bartee, Sully Hickman, Samuel (Hutch) Bartee, Adam Bartee, Rhett Phillips.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to one of Linda’s favorite ministries Samaritan’s Purse.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will happen Wednesday, August 12, at 11:30 am at Post Oak Fellowship in Sherman, TX. Address is 2100 N. Woods St. The service will be followed by a luncheon and fellowship for those who are able to stay.