Robert Keith Hicks 07/25/1951  -  11/27/2023 Robert (Bob) Keith Hicks, age 72, of Plant City, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 27, 2023. Bob was born on July 25,1951 in Chicago, Illinois. After a short stint as a Private in the United States Army, he was honorably discharged in 1971. He worked as a switchman for the Belt Railway Company of Chicago in Bedford Park. Bob loved his family, music, art, hunting and the great outdoors, but he was happiest when he was goin' fishin'. His love of the water led him to work in the late 1980s as a first mate on the "Judy in Disguise" on Lake Michigan, captained by Bill Babich. An avid fisherman, he shared his passion with others through his involvement in the B.A.S.S. Federation, Chicagoland Bass Anglers (formerly Bassin’ Bandits), Chicago Lake Michigan Anglers and Joe’s Corner of the World Fishing Club. He also participated in many City of Chicago Fishing Advisory Committee meetings. A prolific writer, Bob was a moderator for chitown-angler.com. As a well-connected member of the fishing community, there wasn’t an outdoor writer that Bob didn’t know. Bob also supported Duke O'Malley and the Chicago Park District “Fishin’ Buddies” in organizing special fishing derby events for children in the Chicago area. Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Deb; son, Jeff Hicks (Missy); son, Steve Hicks (Nikki); daughter, Meghan Farej (Wally); beloved grandchildren, Vanessa (Hunter), Cullen, Taylor, Kyle and Charleigh; and great grandchild, Lilliana. Cherished brother to the late David (Cyndi) Hicks, Linda (Mike) D'Amico, Cindy (Bob) Carroll, the late Kathleen Shields, Kevin (Julie) Hicks, Larry (Kimi) Lyons, and Cathy (Mike) Corich. Loving uncle to his nieces and nephews. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Sarah Lyons (nee Brennan) and Cecil Hicks; step-father, Larry Lyons; brother, David Hicks; sister, Kathleen Shields; and granddaughter, Skylar Farej. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City, Florida, 33567. A $2.00 fee per car is required upon entry into the park. Continue along Edward Medard Parkway, then take the first right onto Burnt Stump Drive. Parking is available at the first picnic shelter. The service will take place overlooking one of Bob's most frequented fishing spots. The family would like to thank the staff at LifePath Hospice for their compassion, care and support over the last few years.