Dora Lou Hickam of Red River, NM passed away on June 25, 2024, just shy of her 92nd birthday. She was born on August 5, 1932, in Cimmaron, NM to Cliff and Bess Gimson. Dora Lou was delivered into this world by her grandmother, a locally renowned midwife. Her family eventually moved to Taos, NM where she spent most of her childhood, growing up with her older brother, Ted. The family eventually settled in Raton, NM where baby sister, Barbara Ann was born, and where Dora Lou graduated high school. Her beauty was like no other. She was even one of the “Breck (shampoo) Girls.”
She then began her professional career with the telephone company as a switchboard operator. This was during the Korean War, and she had fond memories of patching through overseas calls to/from the “Soldier Boys”.
In 1953 she married Al Hickam, and they had 2 children, a daughter Johnna, and 3 years later a son, Allen. Together, they built 2 successful businesses. Hickam Plumbing started in Springer, NM in the mid-1960s and then moved to Red River. A few years later, the famous Turkey Track Stables was the new venture that kept them busy during the summer months.
Dora Lou was a founding member of the Red River Women’s Club, a longtime member of the Red River Historical Society, and belonged to the NM Republican National Committee while working the elections for over 20 years. She could be found working at the ski area, and in various retail shops around town, and was the face of the Sundance Restaurant for many years, greeting guests nightly and rolling chili rellenos in the off hours. Her final job was one she loved the most, being the Historian of the Little Red School House Museum. She had a passion for her beloved mountain town, the history of it, the people, the landscape and the wildlife to be found there. Above all, she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Dora Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Cliff & Bess Gimson, brother, Ted Gimson (Nona), sister, Barbara Wilkinson, husband, Al Hickam, daughter-in-law, Louie Hickam and many lifelong friends and extended family. She is survived by her daughter, Johnna McClain (Stoddard), son, Allen Hickam, grandchildren, Cody May, Karee Wiggins (Will), Lacey Hickam, Brenna Lange (Matt), great-grandchildren, Grayson & Garren Wiggins, Sterling Inman, Jocelyn Garcia, Ashlyn, Mikah & Tripp Lange, sister-in-law, Rose Harper, brother-in-law, Wilk Wilkinson, nephew, Randy Wilkinson, and niece, Robyn Harper.
Dora Lou’s family will be present for visitation at Johnson’s Funeral Home, San Angelo from 9:00-11:00 am on July 1, 2024, with Graveside service to begin at 12:00 pm at Fairmount Cemetery, San Angelo. Pallbearers are Stoddard McClain, Cody May, Will Wiggins, Matt Lange, Grayson Wiggins and Garren Wiggins. The honorary pallbearer is Mike May.
The family would like to express unending gratitude for all the loving care provided to our Mom and NaNa: Dr. John Stevenson, DaVita Dialysis Clinic Staff, SageCrest – Mayfield Unit Staff and Hospice of San Angelo.
Donations in Dora Lou’s memory may be made to the Red River Historical Society, PO Box 384, Red River NM 87558.
