Joseph D. Hicklin, 84, of Bowling Green, KY, formerly of Madisonville, passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Hospice of Southern Kentucky in Bowling Green.

He was born on November 28, 1938, to the late Charles and Elsie Offutt Hicklin. He was a proud United States Army Reservist for ten years and was discharged as a Captain in December 1971. He was a 1961 graduate of Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. He later earned his Masters and Rank 1 degrees from Western Kentucky University in 1974 and 1978 respectively. He was a teacher, principal, and an administrator with the Hopkins County Board of Education, as well as serving as a principal in Sacramento, Kentucky.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Reba Noffsinger Hicklin; brothers, Tommy Hicklin, Bill Hicklin, Wes Hicklin, and John Hicklin; sister, Wilma Brown; and stepmother, Mattie Toombs Hicklin.

Survivors include daughters, Jennifer (Tim) Hartman of Bowling Green, KY and Amy (Jason) Messamore of Green Bay, WI; grandsons, Nicholas and Ethan Messamore of Green Bay, WI; sisters, Mary Alice (Johnnie) Davis and Pearl Quinn; and several nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Bethlehem Cemetery in Madisonville, KY. Military honors conducted by the Hopkins County Guard. Harris Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Joe and Reba on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Mortons Gap Christian Church in Mortons Gap, KY.

Contributions may be made in Joe's memory to the Bethlehem Cemetery Fund, 136 Cathlyn Drive, Madisonville, KY 42431 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate