The Nebraska Rural Radio Association (NRRA) mourns the loss of an advocate and friend, Edgar J. Hicks, who passed away on June 29, 2024. Edgar’s impact on our community and his dedication to the NRRA will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Born in Louisiana, on December 26, 1947, Edgar’s journey was one of resilience and determination. He graduated from Holy Rosary High School in Lafayette, Louisiana, in 1966. His academic pursuits led him to Southern University and later to Pace University in New York City, where he studied finance and real estate.
It was during his time at Pace that he met Anna Kai (Wong) Hicks, affectionately known as “Pee Wee.” The two married on February 1, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois, marking the beginning of a 52-year partnership filled with love and dedication.
Edgar’s career and philanthropic efforts were extensive and influential. His love and passion for agriculture were evident in his work, from the Chicago Board of Trade to managing the co-op in Clarks, Nebraska. His community affiliations were vast, including the American Philatelic Society, USDA Advisory Committee, No More Empty Pots, Nebraska State Grange, George Washington Carver Grange, the Kansas Black Farmer’s Association, 100 Black Men, Douglas/Sarpy County Cooperative Extension Foundation, and the Urban Indian Health Coalition.
“Edgar was a universal conduit through which people from all walks of life, social backgrounds, and skin colors could relate,” shared Kevin Cooksley, a fellow NRRA member and close friend. “He was much like a universal blood donor, connecting with everyone he met, from farmers and cattlemen to professors and government officials.”
Despite his many achievements, Edgar’s work with the Nebraska Rural Radio Association held a special place in his heart. A strong advocate for the NRRA, Edgar attended numerous meetings over the years and recently took on committee work focused on expanding the NRRA membership base.
“Edgar was a passionate supporter of the Nebraska Rural Radio Association,” said Ben Steffen, chairman of the NRRA. “He believed in our mission to serve agriculture and to help our communities and state move forward. He told me many times he thought the NRRA had a unique ability and responsibility to help connect people across the state, both rural and urban. I know he would want all of us to work together to move forward with shared purpose and shared success—particularly as that relates to bringing young people up into our society, helping our youth to see opportunities, especially around agriculture.”
Edgar’s influence extended beyond his professional and community endeavors. He was a devoted husband, dedicated father, and loving Yeye (grandfather).
“While everyone loved Edgar, God loved him best,” His family wrote. “The Lord called him home to rest, and we take comfort in knowing he is at peace.”
Edgar’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide the Nebraska Rural Radio Association and the countless lives he touched. His contributions to the NRRA, his community, and his family are a testament to his character and the profound impact one individual can have on the world.
As we prepare to bid farewell to Edgar at his funeral on Saturday, July 13, at Salem Baptist Church in Omaha, we extend our deepest condolences to Anna and the entire Hicks family.
The following is a transcript of a recent Nebraska Grange Report, where former NRRA chairman Kevin Cooksley reflected on the life of Edgar J. Hicks.
On June 29, we lost Edgar Hicks, a longtime Grange member, fellow state officer, and close friend. Edgar described me as “my brother from another mother.” We called each other “bro.”
Edgar grew up in southern Louisiana during the segregated South. He personally experienced segregation in Europe as well. Life eventually led him to Clarks, Nebraska, where he became the grain merchandiser for the co-op there. His was the only Black family in town, and for quite a few miles around. He never let that affect his relationships in the community. Knowing him as I did, most people didn’t give his skin color another thought once they met him.
Edgar and I met in the 1990s, and he became a member of the Grange, attending his first state session in 1998. His inquisitive mind, love of history, and passion for all things agriculture led us to become fast friends. I later discovered that my experience of being with him was similar to just about anyone else who met him. His effect on people was memorable, making them feel that what they were doing made a difference and was important. He helped others appreciate the history connected with their endeavors.
Edgar’s passion for the Grange, its history, mission, and relevance to today’s world, made me even prouder of our organization. Not only for what it accomplished in the past and what it represents today, but more importantly, for its foundational values and mission. These values allow us to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities and support all things related to food security and agricultural understanding. Edgar’s passion for these causes rubbed off on everyone around him.
I would classify him as a “type O” personality—a universal conduit through which people from all walks of life, social backgrounds, and skin colors could relate. Much like a universal blood donor, Edgar was a universal person. Perhaps that’s why he could connect with anyone—be it Warren Buffett, a cattleman, a farmer of any kind or color, a stamp collector, a social worker, a professor, or a government official. Edgar could converse with them all equally well.
Edgar was my go-to man on all things Grange membership, rural-urban relationships, and a driving force behind the founding of Carver Grange in Omaha. I shall miss him for the rest of my life, as many others will too. I will be struggling with my emotions when I speak at his funeral on Saturday, July 13, at Salem Baptist Church in Omaha. You can be certain that there will be a large number of people in attendance.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Edgar’s wife, Anna, who was the wind beneath his wings, to his children, and to all of the Hicks family as they work their way forward through these days. Rest in peace, my friend. Until we meet again.
