Thomas W. Hickson, Sr.

Thomas W. Hickson, Sr., retired Police Chief, 72, of Milan, Illinois, died Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island, Rock Island, Illinois. Tommy passed peacefully with his children by his side.

Graveside services are 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 7, at Rock Island National Cemetery, where the Vietnam Veterans of the Quad Cities will present military honors. Those wishing to attend should meet in the parking lot at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, from 11:00 to 11:15 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of the Quad Cities.

Thomas William Hickson was born June 2, 1952, in Moline, the son of Jackie and Elsa (Cox) Hickson. He graduated from Rock Island High School and Blackhawk College (with honors). He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and attended the Illinois Police Academy at Champagne, Illinois, where he graduated 1st in his class and is listed in the Police Hall of Fame. He served as an Illinois Police Officer and Chief of Police for several agencies, most recently for the Avon Police Department, retiring after 23 years due to injuries and health.

During his career, Chief Hickson was awarded over fifty medals and citations including the Police Medal of Valor, three Police Silver Stars, and three Police Purple Hearts, amongst others. 

He later served as President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 299 (2018), Executive Chair of the Quad Cities Senior Olympics, a VFW Commander, and held offices in several other paramilitary organizations including serving the American Legion Honor Guard as Post Historian.

He was a master genealogist with a database of 64,000 ancestors and relatives, and was also a master craftsman, building museum quality model sailing ships from scratch.

Chief Hickson is survived by his children, Christina Walline of Silvis, Illinois, Misty (Jesse) Begyn of Davenport, Jacqueline (Chris) Geigle of Walcott, Iowa, Thomas “NightHawk” Hickson II of Milan, Thaelae (Chris) Toler of North Carolina, and Tara (Jason) Davis of Davenport; grandchildren, Jonathan, Jeffrey (Hope), Chrystal (John), Abby (Trent), Gage, Tommi Ann (Matt), Maesi, Myli, Evan, Austin, Briece, Zach, Bostyn, Lilyah, Sawyer ; and great-grandchildren, Meadow, Eli, Lotus, Kole, Rheya, Henley, and Walker. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Joshua Roberts.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.