Paul Hicks

Paul Lloyd Hicks, a proud veteran of U.S. Air Force, died March 7, 2026 at Conway Regional Hospital.

The son of the Jack and Mamie Hicks, Paul was born June 21, 1946 in Malvern, Arkansas. At the age of 18, Paul enlisted in the military. During his career, he served at many duty stations. He was a Vietnam Veteran serving two tours. He valued his service and was a true patriot. Afterward, he earned a degree as a plant engineer where he worked another 20 plus years retiring in 2003.

He and his wife, Linda, moved to Conway in 2007, where they co-founded the Museum of Veterans and Military History in Vilonia in 2011. Paul served as the force, working behind the scenes, when the museum was downed by a tornado in 2014, overseeing the rebuilding from the ground up. He proudly completed the process in one year. During the 15 years since the initial opening, Paul volunteered most Friday and Saturdays at the museum. Adding the outdoor Peace Chapel was his idea providing the families of veterans an option for memorial services.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda, of their home in Conway, one son, Paul Jr. also of Conway, one brother Bill (Pat) of Benton and five grandchildren, Kristin, Aaron, Hannah and Jesse Hicks and Nathan Corter. One special brother in law and sister in law, Steve and Lisa Brown, of Kensett, Arkansas and nephew Dru Brown of Dallas, Texas. Last but not least, one special Yorkie furbaby, Poppy, who was his constant lap puppy.

A celebration of life will be held at the museum's Peace Chapel at 1:00p.m., May 9. Memorials may be made to Museum of Veterans, P.O. Box 668 Vilonia, AR 72173.