Enid Hickman

Enid (Ewing) Hickman, 84, of Topeka, died peacefully February 2, 2019, at Presbyterian Manor Path Rehab Center. while recovering from a fall. She was born November 26, 1934, daughter of Dean and Oleta (Freitag) Ewing, Stanford, IL. They preceded her in death.

Enid graduated from Stanford HS, in 1952 and the University of Illinois in 1956 (Bachelor of Science in Music Education) - With High Honors. She was A member of Morter Board (a National Honorary Society). The National Music Teachers Association designated her a  "National Certified Teacher of Music.". She started teaching piano and leading church choirs as a teen-ager.  She taught in public schools in Illinois, Utah and Arkansas and at her home Studio in Topeka for the last 28 years. She helped start the Latch Keyboard Piano Project.

Music was not her only love. Enid married Alden Hickman, August 26, 1956 and recently celebrated anniversary 62. She is survived by husband Rev. Alden Hickman, Topeka; brother, Elmer (Marilyn) Ewing-Ithaca, NY, sister, Helen Joyce, Barclay -Bloomington, IL; children- Charles (Melinda)-Hazen, AR), Flossie (Chester) Langin Carbondale, IL, , Fredrick (Shalise)- West Chicago, IL, and Paul (Moria)- Mesquite, NV; 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grand children, and 2 great-great granddaughters.  Enid ALWAYS remembered EVERYONE'S birthday!

Enid was  kind and supporting and was concerned about all those she met and knew. She loved her students - even giving lessons by phone when emergencies came up. She was a very stylish woman - matching colors, styles, purses, numerous sweaters, blouses, slacks - but no high heel shoes.

She was so fortunate to have numerous cousins growing up and still in contact thru the years. An important event in her life took place in 1955 after the University of Illinois annual Military Ball. Alden Hickman invited her to the Ball and was so impressed by Enid that he wrote a letter to his folks. "She plays the piano, clarinet, organ, trumpet, -and more — I think I have found the girl I will marry." Alden's father mailed back - "It sounds like your dating a whole brass band!"

When Enid and Alden went to Chicago to meet his parents they were all amazed that Enid and Alden's Dad knew each other and had been corresponding with each other for several years. Enid was the Clerk of the Illinois Presbyterian Youth Synod and Alden' Father, was the Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Synod of Illinois. On August 26, 1956, Rev. Dr. Alvyn Hickman married Enid and Alden. Who later became Rev.  Alden Hickman in 1963.

Enid served a choir director in several churches, and with Alden served three years as Chaplains of National Presbyterian Mariners. She was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, She was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church since 1991- except for 3 yrs-  when Alden was Interim Pastor at Wakarusa Presbyterian Church..  They were employed the summer of 1960 in Bryce Canyon national Park, Utah, serving in the National Park Christian Ministries. In the summer of 1991 Alden was Manager of the Lodge at  Zion National Park and Enid served as Hostess.

Memorial Services will be at 12 noon, Saturday Feb.16th at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 SW 21st Street, Topeka, KS,66604. Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:30 before the service at the Church. You are invited to a reception after the service. In Lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Heifer International   ( Heifer.org  )   or Trinity Presbyterian Church- Los Talpetates. Scholarship Fund.