Rev. Mark Duane Hickman (64), of Oakland, MD, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his family on July 5, 2020 in Salvo, NC. Born on 23 July 1955, in Parkersburg, WV, Mark was a United Methodist pastor in Durbin, WV; Bethel United Methodist Church in Mt. Lake Park, MD; Trinity and Centenary United Methodist Church in Fort Ashby, WV; and Nethken Hill and Elk Garden UMC in Elk Garden, WV.
Following his “retirement,” Mark continued to be an active member at Bethel United Methodist Church.
Mark attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he met the love of his life, his wife Karen. His commitment to pastoring and fostering spiritual growth through teaching and outdoor ministry was his focus for over 35 years.
He spent the last week of his life at his favorite place, the Outer Banks, with his whole family, swimming, fishing, laughing, and playing with his grandkids.
Mark was a loving husband, son, father, pappy, friend, and mentor to so many.
Mark is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Karen (Mitter) Hickman, his oldest daughter Megan Kitzmiller and her husband Kris of Inwood, WV; his middle daughter, Jenny Fyfe and her husband Jimmy of Newport, Co. Tipperary, Ireland; his youngest daughter Danielle of Nashville, TN; and his grandkids, Emma, Avery, Colin, and Lilly. He’s also survived by his brother Mike and his wife Connie of Middlebourne, WV; his nieces and nephew, Kristen, Lance, and Hilary, and their children.
Mark is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Alice Hickman, his father Robert Glen Hickman, and his youngest brother, Chip.
In accordance with his wishes, Mark will be cremated and a drive-in memorial service will take place on July 11, 2020 at 11 am at 1300 Broadford Rd, Oakland, MD 21550.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mark’s name to Bethel United Methodist Church, 512 Dave Turney St, Mountain Lake Park, MD 21550, earmarked “Bethel’s Broadford Building Fund.”
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.