Tony Wicker

Tony Wicker, 65, of Elk City, KS, passed away on December 29, 2024, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer; 7 years ago the doctors gave him 7 months, in typical Tony fashion he defied the odds. Tony was born on October 3, 1959, to George Robert and Darla Mae Wicker in Blytheville, Arkansas. Tony's father was a pilot in United States Air Force and fought in Vietnam. Being he was a military brat he moved around quite a bit meeting new friends. He graduated from Pine Forest High School of South Carolina. After high school Tony got a job picking tobacco until it became too much on his knees and sought other work. He worked many jobs growing up. He worked a variety of employment occupations: roofing, Walmart Bakery, Burger King, campgrounds keeper for the county lakes. He also worked in fabrications and was proud of the "Time Passage" retaining wall he helped build at the Oliver and East Kellogg Exchange in Wichita Ks. He proudly worked hard all his life to care for his family.

Tony met his wife Debra in late 1993 as Debra's pool team needed a new player. Tony filled that spot. After that they enjoyed getting to know one another through their pool league. They later married in December of 1994. They just celebrated 30 years together two weeks before his passing. Tony had other interests as well. He loved music, mostly 70s genre such as Lynard Skynyrd and The Eagles. He was also a drummer and he'd often be found jamming with friends for hours. If you knew Tony, he was often quiet but when he did have something to say he wasn't afraid to say it. He appreciated life, friends, family, and spontaneous fun every now and then.

Tony is survived by his wife Debra Wicker, his two sisters, Lawna Vinther, Theresa Brown, and his brother Johnnie Wicker. Also, his children Jennifer Wicker, Chris Wicker, and stepchildren, Rana Bowlin, James Bowlin, and Glenda Behrens. Tony was also a proud grandfather of 22 grandchildren: Jacques Kennedy Jr., Javion Kennedy, Jakobe Kennedy, John Pierre Gachelin, Jaalah Wicker, Tysen Wicker, Dylan Wicker, Braden Martin, Mason Martin, Alivia Martin, Caleb Martin, Drew Duncan, Sean Duncan, Aaron Duncan, Aidan Fry, Tianna Behrens, Michael Behrens, Brandon Behrens, Ashlynn Behrens, Jessica Bowlin, Joshua Bowlin, Jaidan Bowlin. Also 3 great grandchildren: Jackson Miles, Colton Behrens, and Marlee Mae Behrens. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of all his children. Tony was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2018. The doctors gave him seven months to live but God gave him 7 more years. In those seven years he gained a daughter n law and six grandchildren and got to see two of them born recently. Days before his passing he celebrated his sons 30 birthday and recently celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary. Though his health journey was difficult Debra and Tony both felt God's grace and hand in it all. Please join us for celebration of Tony's life on January 8, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at First Christian Church, Elk City, KS. The family thanks everyone for all their love, support, and prayers in this time.