Obituary of Howard Wesley Hickey

Howard Wesley Hickey died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones in The Villages, Florida, on January 30, 2020 at the age of 89.  He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Gwen Callahan, sister Luanne, daughter Brooks (Dan), granddaughters Megan (Matt) and Kristin (Tim), and great granddaughter Kate, as well as many step-children and step-grandchildren. Howard was born on October 20, 1930, in Bozeman, Montana, to Wesley and Mildred Hickey. He began his teaching career in a one room schoolhouse in the state of Washington.  After teaching in a variety of schools in the US and across many countries, he settled at Michigan State University,  earned his doctorate in Higher Education Administration in 1968, and completed his career there.. He had a strong passion for teaching and cared for his students and in turn was well admired and respected by them. He will be remembered for his kindness and willingness to help others. He was an avid MSU sports fan and attending or watching any MSU game was a favorite activity of his. Throughout his life, he valued family and taking care of them. A remembrance will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages gifts in Howard’s memory to the Howard W. Hickey and Gwen G. Callahan Scholarship at Michigan State University.  Checks may be made payable to “Michigan State University” and sent to Michigan State University, 535 Chestnut Road, Room 300, East Lansing, MI  48824.  Gifts may be made online at https://givingto.msu.edu/gift/?sid=7169 or donations can be made to Cornerstone Hospice http://www.cshospice.org/foundation/giving/. Online condolences can be shared at www.hiers-baxley.com.