Bill Hickman, 88, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2015 in Mercy Hospital following a five-year battle with Parkinson's disease. Mr. Hickman was born on March 15, 1926 to Ervin and Osie (Brower) Hickman. His parents and a brother, Lloyd E. Hickman, preceded him in death. Bill is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Margaret Ann (Page) Hickman and one son, Page Hickman. Mr. Hickman graduated from Willard High School in 1944 and entered Drury College. While in college, he studied piano and organ from Dean T. Stanley Skinner. He also played in various dance bands as well as serving as staff pianist at radio station KWTO. Following graduation, he served on the piano faculty of Drury and later taught music in the Rogersville School District. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as a member of the 521st Air Force Band as well as a small performing ensemble known as The Blue Notes. After discharge, he played professionally in New York and Chicago. Mr. Hickman returned to Springfield in 1954 and began a long career with the Springfield Public Schools. He taught vocal music at Reed and Cherokee Middle Schools, retiring in 1986. After retirement, he began a second career providing dinner music at Riverside Inn and The Tower Club for over 20 years. In addition, Mr. Hickman also served as pianist with the Springfield Symphony and as organist at Dale Street (now Pathways) United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 10:00 am in the Pathways United Methodist with Rev. Michael Blacksher officiating, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Wednesday evening, January 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Pathways United Methodist Church.