Mike Carter Hickman

Mike Carter Hickman, 78, of Paola, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the University of Kansas Health Olathe Hospital.

Born in Paola, Kansas, to Forrest and Helen Hickman. Mike grew up in Hillsdale and graduated from Spring Hill High School. After high school, he joined the National Guard and was Active Duty in Vietnam for 15 months as the Rank of Spec 4 Artillery Specialist. He was Honorably Discharged in December 1970.

Upon his return, Mike worked at Dick’s Service Station, in Olathe, KS, in the early 80’s, until which time he purchased the business. Through the mid 80’s he was an instructor with Arthur Murray School of Dance and TC Dance Club and relocated to Hawaii. He taught dance there for 8 years. There he met Laura and moved to Colorado for 30+ years. Mike returned to Kansas to be near family in 2023. Above all, Mike loved to make people laugh with his wonderful, silly sense of humor.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Forrest Jr, Phillip, and Daniel; sisters, Jacque Seyler, Thelma Suttcliffe, and Joyce Soetaert; and brothers-in-law Richard Schoenberger and Marvin Dodson. He is survived by sisters, Rosemary Schoenberger and Karen Dotson; sister-in-law, Judy Hickman; brother-in-law, Richard Soetaert; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Hillsdale Cemetery. 

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