Omer M. Hickerson, 79, New Bremen, died June 26, 2012, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

He was born April 6, 1933, in Anna, to Martin Oliver and Margarette Koverman Hickerson. On April 30, 1955, he married Vernita Koeper, who survives.

Also surviving are six children, Thomas (Beth) Hickerson, Pinckney, Mich., Carol (Don) Pierce, Houston, Joyce (Mike) Topp, New Bremen, June (Douglas) Drieling, Ludlow Falls, Ike (Mia) Hickerson, Troy, and Jane (Brent) Brice, Sommerville, Ga.; a brother, John Henry Hickerson, Berryville, Va.; 18 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a son, Jess Hickerson, and siblings Richard, Morris, Martin, Roger and Rodney Hickerson, Virginia Tincher and Alma May Chambers.

A former bricklayer, he had received gold card recognition from Bricklayers Local 22. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and received a Purple Heart. He was a member of the Fort Loramie American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans, both of Sidney.

Graveside services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Houston Cemetery with military rites by the Fort Loramie Firing Squad.

Calling is after 10 a.m. Saturday at the Houston Congregational Christian Church.

Contributions may be made to Wilson Hospice Care or the New Bremen Rescue Squad.

Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster, has charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.