Roger Allen Wicks

Roger Allen Wicks, 88, of New Market, Maryland passed away Tuesday, February 18th at Holy Cross Hospital, Germantown, Maryland. He died peacefully in prayer with the company of his loving wife, Nancy after courageously fighting a long illness.
Roger was born February 5th, 1937 in Aurora Illinois to the late Joseph Arthur and Bernice (Orstead) Wicks and was the youngest of five children.
Growing up in Newark, Illinois, Roger along with his three brothers and one sister grew up both together and apart. They were raised in foster care, most of them in separate homes. So unlike most families school gave them the ability to spend time together. Roger and his brothers often played sports on the same teams, carrying with them the reputation as a force to be reckoned with. They all looked out for each other and stayed in touch no matter the distance.
Looking back, Roger felt much appreciation for his time spent with foster mother Mrs. Piele whose devout disposition helped to instill the love of Jesus in his heart. She ensured he and his brother Jim attended church service every Sunday. She sent them to Bible school, and even had them memorize the readings they were assigned as homework.
Roger attended Newark Elementary and High School where he made many friends including but not limited to Harlan Johnson, who he maintained close contact with over the years. Even though Roger did not officially graduate with the class of 1955, he was an honorary member returning to Newark for many school reunions.
At age 17 he proudly joined the Army where he had the opportunity to serve overseas in France and Germany. Ultimately, he landed at Fort Detrick in Maryland where he was serving as an MP (Military Police) before his honorable discharge after seven years in May of 1962.
Upon discharge from the Army, Roger took a job with the Frederick City Police Department where he proudly served for several years.  He was honored to serve not only for Frederick City but also under the mentorship of Chief Main.
It was during this period that he met his future wife, Nancy Irene. After marrying they bought a home and settled in New Market, Maryland.
After moving on from the police force, Roger pursued a series of interesting jobs such as selling insurance, cars, and furniture, as well as owning a tavern. Ultimately, he settled on his passion of driving semi-trucks. He started off driving locally, then landed at Hanover Wire Cloth as a line driver to set out cross country.
He brought home many artifacts over the years from points north, south, and west. He especially loved western themes, collecting long horns, bleached desert skulls, cacti, horns and racks, cowboy hats and boots, belts and buckles, and leather reins and saddles all of which adorned his house, flower gardens, patio, garage and shop. Much of his later artwork shared this theme too.
In later years he decided to stay closer to home and traded in his semi-truck for a dump truck. Over the next several years RA Wicks Trucking could be seen hauling fine gravel, riprap, dirt, fill, and anything else that a dump truck could carry all around the metro area. He eventually sold his dump truck and served as a security guard at various industries until his full retirement.
In retirement he revisited one of his favorite pastimes for which he was very skilled: bowling. He played on the local Frederick league primarily at Terrace Lanes. Even as his health declined, he could still be found knocking down strikes as a coveted sub.
He also honed his skills as a talented wood worker. He created amazing works of art: wheel barrels with flowers, rocking horses, tables, chairs, benches, stools, picture frames, and knick-knack shelves; all with ornate designs and murals. He could be seen peddling at choice spots along the roadways between New Market and Hagerstown. Always ensuring to drop in when nearby to visit his grandchildren in Boonsboro. He loved his grandkids and never missed a sporting event or dance recital.
Roger will always be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was loved by all that knew him.
In addition to his wife of 56 years, Nancy Thompson Wicks, Roger is survived by his daughters Veronica “Vicki” Schultz and Suzanne “Sue” O’Brien (Dan), granddaughter Shannon Bosse (Charlie), grandson William “Will” O’Brien, great-granddaughter Myla Bosse, in-laws James “Bill” Thompson II, Mildred “Boots” Brashears, and Julia Thompson, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
He was preceded in death, in addition to his father and mother by siblings and their spouses Dolores Canham (Jerry), Charles “Chuck” Wicks (Donna), Robert “Bob” Wicks (Betty), and James “Jim” Wicks (Pat). As well as in-laws Roy Thompson, Jr., John Thompson, Sr. (Betty), Lewis “Buzz” Thompson (Elsie), Ronald Thompson, Sr., Gene Brashears, and Doris Thompson.
A viewing will be held at Keeney and Basford Funeral Homes, P.A., 106 E. Church Street, Fredrick, Maryland Tuesday, February 25th from 4-7 pm.
A memorial service will be held Saturday March 1st at Bush Creek Church of the Brethren, 4821 Green Valley Road, Monrovia, Maryland, starting at 11am with Pastor Dawn Weller presiding.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers at https://t2t.org/donate/ or a charity of your choice.