David Aaron Hickman

David Aaron Hickman, 44 of Temple, Texas, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 noon Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Cathedral Oaks Event Center (Magnolia House) in Belton, Texas. Burial will be at 10 am Monday, May 13, 2024, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

 Born on July 23, 1979, he was a beloved son of James Hickman and Lorra Tindell-Gongora, and a cherished brother of J. Everett Hickman, Amanda Tindell, and Lila Gosnell. In his early years, David had a passion for riding horses. There wasn't a horse David couldn't tame. David also enjoyed cars and would often spend his time under the hood or behind the wheel of his favorite ride. He enjoyed spending quality time with his friends and children, calling it "the ups in life". His adventurous spirit and love for life were evident in his taste in music, passion for travel, and creating memories with the ones he loved.

 One of the most important milestones in David's life was his decision to join the US Army, when he was 21. David joined the Army through the delayed entry program in July of 2000 and later completed OSUT infantry basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. David then served as a specialist in the 4th Infantry Division for the 1st of the 22nd Infantry Battalion, where he was appointed as the in-garrison driver for the 1st sergeant during his enlistment at Fort Hood, Texas. David was an expert marksman and a dismount infantry grenadier rifleman. He received the Army Achievement Medal and later deployed to combat for Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom in April of 2003, where he was awarded the combat infantry badge (CIB).

 David was dedicated to his military service and exemplified courage and commitment throughout his time in the armed forces. Born and raised in Central Texas, he knew firsthand the meaning of patriotism and sacrifice. A true Patriot and a soldier's soldier. We shall miss him, anyone who knew David Aaron Hickman knew he was one of a kind.

 David lived life to the fullest and on his terms to the very end. He is and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy of bravery and kindness lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

 David is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Rayburn and Elsie Hickman, his maternal grandmother, Lila Tindell, and his cousins Dean Sheufelt, Sarah Tindell and Laura Manna.

 David is survived by his children Hunter, Wesly, Trinity (Ricardo), and Cadence, his grandchildren Elliott, Soren, and Emma, parents James D. Hickman and Lorra and Gene Gongora, grandparents, Nolan and Patsy Tindell, his siblings, J. Everett. Hickman (Carol), Amanda Tindell and Lila Gosnell (Ben), his nephews, Aric Axen and Emre and nieces Brena, Arista, and Lily, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of his family, and many lifelong friends.