Released June 19, 2019
WASHINGTON, D. C. – The Council of Bishops regrets to announce the death of Bishop Kenneth W. Hicks, retired United Methodist Bishop, who passed away today June 19, 2019, at age 96.
His death was announced by Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was bishop in residence.
“We give thanks for the long and faithful life of Bishop Kenneth W. Hicks, who was an instrument of God in sharing the gospel of peace in his own episcopal areas, in Cuba, and in Nicaragua,” said Bishop Kenneth Carter, president of the Council of Bishops. “We pray especially for his family in this loss, even as we claim the promise of resurrection and eternal life.”
Bishop Hicks was born June 18, 1923, in LaHarpe, Kansas. He received his A.B. degree from York College and his Th.M. from Iliff School of Theology. He served as a member of the Evangelistic Crusade to Cuba in 1957 and a Peace Delegate to Nicaragua in 1985 and 1989. Bishop Hicks was elected to the episcopacy in 1976 and served both the Arkansas and Kansas Areas of the United Methodist Church until his retirement in 1992.
He is survived by his wife Elaine, daughters Linda and Debra and grandchildren Kiley and Spencer.
A Celebration of Bishop Kenneth W. Hicks’ life will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, AR., at a date to be announced.
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Media Contact: Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Director of Communications – Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
202-748-5172