Tom Hicks has dedicated well over half his life in service to the Hugoton community – not least as City Clerk for the last 40 years. He’s raised children, coached Rec sports, and even written for The Hermes. He was born here, graduated HHS – Class of 1970 – married here, and seen kids and grandkids born here. He spent a couple years east at Hutch Community College, then three more northeast at KU, where he graduated with an accounting degree. Somehow, he resisted the pull of small-town southwest Kansas for an extra semester back in his college days – opting to stay in Lawrence to cheer on the Jayhawks from the student section for his final semester.
When Tom was finally done cheering for the Jayhawks – at least from the student section – he came back home, where he was appointed City Clerk under then-Mayor Paul L. Thomas.
The City of Hugoton has been responsible for itself – not under county management – for 112 years, and Tom’s been there for over a third of them. He started working for the City of Hugoton as soon as he graduated HHS, back in June 1970, when he served four summers as regular summer help. When his intentions of going to school for accounting become clear, the City – namely Everett Rowden – saw Tom’s potential and moved him into the office.
Upon his graduation from the University of Kansas, Tom went to work for the City and became City Clerk in 1978. Back then, Tom remembers, “…you had to physically insert ledger cards into [an early computer]…” and preparing the City bills took a full week. While that seems like a snail’s pace in today’s fast-paced world, Tom opines that perhaps those days were better, if only in terms of accuracy. “When you actually stuck every ledger card in, you would look at the bill.” Now, computers, servers and internet payments expedite the process. Before the advent of computers – at least those small enough to fit in an office – accounting had to be done by hand daily. Neat rows of numbers all adding up – thanks to brainpower, not megabytes.
Tom’s been with the City through six mayors – Bob Brown back in 1971, Paul Thomas, Robert Gill, Tom Greenway, Neal Gillespie and current Mayor Jack Rowden. He claims he could never pick a favorite, but said, “All the mayors have been great. They’ve all been supportive of me, and I appreciate that.” Regarding Hugoton, Tom believes the town has been fortunate in that the community has not only held their own, but has experienced growth in the past 40 years.
Tom’s been riding his bicycle to work ever since he started back in 1970. As long as the weather is above freezing, he commutes under his own steam via two wheels. Participating in Bike Across Kansas has been a dream for many years, but due to his coaching commitments, Tom had been unable to take part. When he got out of coaching for a few years, it was time. He sent in his money, began training . . . and got a hernia. After recuperating for a couple of years, he entered BAK again, only to be sidelined with a broken wrist suffered during a turn from Sixth onto Washington. Tom’s son Nathan forbade his father, saying, “You’re not doing that again. You’re moving up. Next time it’ll be your head!” So Tom’s dream of participating in Bike Across Kansas has been put aside.
Tom’s been riding his bicycle to work ever since he started back in 1970. As long as the weather is above freezing, he commutes under his own steam via two wheels. Participating in Bike Across Kansas has been a dream for many years, but due to his coaching commitments, Tom had been unable to take part. When he got out of coaching for a few years, it was time. He sent in his money, began training . . . and got a hernia. After recuperating for a couple of years, he entered BAK again, only to be sidelined with a broken wrist suffered during a turn from Sixth onto Washington. Tom’s son Nathan forbade his father, saying, “You’re not doing that again. You’re moving up. Next time it’ll be your head!” So Tom’s dream of participating in Bike Across Kansas has been put aside.
However, he’ll probably find plenty to do. Upon his retirement, Tom and wife Malissa will be heading to Surprise, Az., where they’ve purchased a “casita” in Sun Village. Two other Hugoton couples living in Sun Village checked out the “little house” for them, approved it, and Tom and Malissa bought the property sight-unseen. The couple did get to see their new place over New Year’s weekend – and thankfully, they’re sure they made the right choice. They’ll leave for their piece of paradise early next month. Their plan is to travel back and forth – 840 miles one way – for the first year. The new home is conveniently located in the heart of 15 pro baseball teams’ spring training facilities – which really sealed the deal for Tom, an avid baseball fan.
Congratulations, Tom, and thanks for your service to the community. Hopefully your days are filled with ping-pong, tennis, live shows, plenty of sun – and don’t forget baseball!
The City will host a come-and-go retirement reception for Tom at the City Office Wednesday, January 31 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The public is cordially invited!
