d. June 25, 2024
Dora Lou Hickam, of Red River, passed away on June 25, 2024, just shy of her 92nd birthday. She was born August 5, 1932 in Cimarron, New Mexico, to Cliff and Bess Gimson. Dora Lou was delivered into this world by her grandmother, a locally renowned midwife.
Her family eventually moved to Taos where she spent most of her childhood, growing up with older brother, Ted. The family eventually settled in Raton where baby sister Barbara Ann was born, and where Dora Lou graduated from high school.
Her beauty was like no other. She was even one of the “Breck (shampoo) Girls.”
She then began her professional career with the telephone company as a switchboard operator. This was during the Korean War, and she had fond memories of patching through overseas calls to and from the “soldier boys.”
In 1953 she married Al Hickam, and they had two children: a daughter, Johnna, and three years later, a son, Allen. Together they built two successful businesses. Hickam Plumbing started in Springer, New Mexico in the mid 1960s and then moved to Red River. A few years later, the famous Turkey Track Stables was their new venture that kept them busy during the summer months.
Dora Lou was a founding member of the Red River Women’s Club, a longtime member of the Red River Historical Society, and belonged to the NM Republican National Committee while working the elections for over 20 years. She could be found working at the ski area, in various retail shops around town, and was the face of the Sundance Restaurant for many years, greeting guests nightly and rolling chili rellenos in the off hours.
Her final job was one she loved the most, being the historian of the Little Red School House Museum in Red River. She had a passion for her beloved mountain town, the history of it, the people, the landscape, and the wildlife found there. Above all, she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Dora Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Cliff and Bess Gimson; brother Ted Gimson (Nona); sister Barbara Wilkinson; husband Al Hickam; daughter-in-law Louie Hickam; and many lifelong friends and extended family.
She is survived by her daughter Johnna McClain (Stoddard); son Allen Hickam; grandchildren Cody May, Karee Wiggins (Will), Lacey Hickam, Brenna Lange (Matt); great-grandchildren Grayson and Garren Wiggins, Sterling Inman, Jocelyn Garcia, Ashlyn, Mikah, and Tripp Lange; sister-in-law Rose Harper; brother-in-law Wilk Wilkinson; nephew Randy Wilkinson; and niece Robyn Harper; and many lifelong friends and extended family.
Dora Lou’s family was present for visitation at Johnson’s Funeral Home, San Angelo, Texas, on July 1, 2024, with graveside services at Fairmount Cemetery, San Angelo. Pallbearers were Stoddard McClain, Cody May, Will Wiggins, Matt Lange, Grayson Wiggins and Garren Wiggins. Honorary pallbearer was Mike May.
The family would like to express unending gratitude for all the loving care provided to our Mom and NaNa: Dr. John Stevenson, DaVita Dialysis Clinic Staff, SageCrest – Mayfield Unit Staff and Hospice of San Angelo.
Donations in Dora Lou’s memory may be made to the Red River Historical Society, PO Box 384, Red River NM 87558.
