Donna Hickman

Donna Jean Hickman, 90, the daughter of Percy and Grace (Walton) Smith, was born on April 19, 1934, in Carbon, Iowa. Surrounded by family, she entered eternal rest on April 1, 2025, at her home in Corning, Iowa.

Donna was the second of four daughters, raised in Carbon. As a child she loved to roller skate with her sisters and friends. As a teen and throughout adulthood, she loved to dance. Watching Donna and Dallas float across the dance floor was a treat. When they started dating, Donna taught Dallas how to dance, and he taught her how to drive.

On October 10, 1952, Donna was united in marriage to Dallas Hickman at the Methodist Church in Corning. Three sons were born to bless this union: Rick, Randy, and Ken. They resided on the Hickman family farm where Dallas lived since the age of two. The couple remained there throughout their marriage. Donna grew to love the farm and worked it alongside Dallas, handling livestock, milking cows, building fence and doing field work.

Family meant everything to Donna. She loved following her sons and grandchildren in all of their sporting events. Hosting meals for holidays and deer season were highlights every year.

Donna is survived by her children: Rick (wife Lynn) Hickman, Randy (wife Vicki) Hickman, and Ken; grandchildren Brian (wife Laura) Hickman, Trevor (significant other Sarah Steffen) Hickman, Jessica Warren, and Tara Benge (significant other Conrad Wilkinson); 12 great-grandchildren and sister, Phyllis Armstrong.

Preceding Donna in death were her husband Dallas in 2006, her parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Loten and Hattie Hickman, son-in-law Mark Watson, sisters: Mary Lou Yearington and Beverly Snyder; half-sisters: Darline Swain and Maybelle Dueling; and half-brothers: Ronald Smith and Paul Swain.