Virgil H. Hicks

Virgil Hayes Hicks, 95, of New Philadelphia, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital at Dover.

Born in New Philadelphia on April 28, 1930, he was the son of the late William Henry and Jennie Lucille (Corpman) Hicks.

After completing his formal education, Virgil served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. On July 30, 1961, Virgil married his lifelong partner and friend, the late Wauneta A. Wesbrooks, in the First United Methodist Church at Dover.

Virgil worked as a machinist with Gradall for 39 years before retiring. After retirement, he continued working at Buckeye Machine and Fenton Brothers Electric. He was a devoted member of Faith Christian Church and remained active in many aspects of his life. An avid gardener well into his 80s, Virgil took great pride in growing beautiful strawberries, corn, and many other crops. He had a special love for his Model A—the very first car he ever purchased—and enjoyed taking it out for rides whenever he could. Virgil also cherished time spent with family. He and his wife enjoyed bus trips with his siblings and their spouses. He bowled alongside his brothers on the Hicks Roofing team, creating many fond memories together.

Virgil will be deeply missed by his four daughters, Cheryl (Dr. Don) Russell, Brenda (Mike) Warner, Jill Hicks all of New Philadelphia, and Sharon (Shawn) Meek of Navarre; his grandchildren, David (Leah) Russell, Laura (Kameron Cox) Russell, Matt Warner, Andy (Amber) Russell, and Emily Warner; his great-grandchildren, Cheyenne and Cody Russell and Sage, Autumn, and Byron Russell; his brother, Foster (Roberta) Hicks both of New Philadelphia; his canine buddy, Ava; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Virgil was preceded in passing by his daughter, Elizabeth Hicks; and his siblings, Franklin Hicks, Mary Ferrall, Evelyn Moore, Lester Hicks, Grace Kohler, Bill Hicks and Ward Hicks.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 1 to 3 p.m. A memorial service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Monday, March 2 beginning at 11 a.m. with Pastor Brian Flood officiating. Inurnment of both Virgil and Wauneta’s cremated remains will follow the service in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia where the New Philadelphia VFW Post #1445 will render military honors.

Memorial contributions in Virgil’s memory may be directed to the Faith Christian Church, 2012 Pleasant Valley Rd NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.