Claude Vernon Hickman

Claude Vernon Hickman, 81, of Flora Vista NM peacefully passed from this life on December 1, 2022 in his home with family by his side. Vernon was born September 7, 1941 as the third of six children born to Clint and Claudine Hickman in Pampa, Texas. Vernon had 2 older brothers and three younger sisters. The family lived in the panhandle of Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado before settling in Kirtland, NM.

Vernon met his wife, Ella Mae Burson, in 1965 while working in Albuquerque, NM. They were married on October 27, 1965 and settled in Farmington, NM. They celebrated 44 years of marriage before her passing in 2009. Together they raised their family of three children, Daniel Hickman, Terri Smith, Carri Weise in Farmington, NM.

Vernon worked for El Paso Natural Gas for 25 years, retiring in 1992. He continued to work in the oilfield industry as a pipeline inspector and spent many years on the pipeline in northern Washington.

When Vernon was not working he was an avid outdoorsman and shared the joys of hunting, fishing and camping with his children, grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews. In his early years Vernon enjoyed time in the saddle working the family ranch. He held the CB handle of "Saddle Bum". The Daily Times has a story published June 1988, "Early Times: 30 Years Ago" highlighting a new kind of transportation in the high School parking lot in Farmington. Vernon and a couple of his friends rode their horses to get their report cards.

He was the brother and uncle many looked up to and the hero of his children. Good times were spent in family camping at Navajo Lake, hunting in the NM mountains and the infamous "boy's Lake Powell trips". Vernon was a storyteller. These adventures, along with tales of his life growing up and growing old were told with a humor that would sneak up and slap you silly. His humor was ever present, even in his final days. These family times have provided great memories and stories to be told around the fire to the future Hickman generation.

Vernon is preceded in death by his wife, Ella Mae Hickman, parents Clint and Claudine Hickman, brothers Kieth and Clinton "Bud" Hickman and sister Donna Dees. He is survived by his three children, Daniel Hickman, Terri Smith and husband Johnson, Carri Weise and husband Ed. Vernon was the proud grandpa of 10 grandchildren, Cheryl Hughes, Curtis Hickman, Danny Hickman, Kevyn Hickman, Niqita Selman, Adrian Smith, Kendra Smith, Eric Wright, Ceci Montoya and Bailee Faykus. Even more proud of his 10 great grandchildren: Gracie Hughes, Riley Hughes, Chloe Hickman, Cole Hickman, Callie Hickman, Nickolas Smith, Shayla Selman, Brody Selman, Briley Wright and soon to come, Forrest Montoya.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, December 6th at 5:00pm with memorial service following at 6:00pm at Farmington Funeral Home. Burial will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 10:00am at Greenlawn Cemetery.