Wayne Price Hicken

Wayne Price Hicken was born March 2, 1933, in Heber City, Utah, to Irwin Todd and Ruby Price Hicken. He died on August 29, 2026, in Heber City, Utah, in the same house in which he was born.

Growing up, he worked on the farm, feeding chickens, hauling hay, branding cattle, and, most importantly, being with his father and brothers.

He graduated from Wasatch High School in 1951, where he was commonly known as “Poolhall,” a nickname that originated from his many days spent at the pool hall during his teenage years.

Wayne enlisted in the Navy at 19 and served aboard the USS Yancey from April 15, 1952, to January 17, 1954, during the Korean War. Shortly after, he was called to serve in the Central Atlantic States Mission from May 1954 to May 1956. While on his mission, he met "that girl", Nellie Charlene Ray.

Wayne and Charlene were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 21, 1956, six weeks after he was released from his mission. This past June, they celebrated 70 years together. They navigated many years of joys and trials, but in the end it all turned out good.

He attended the University of Utah while working his way up in the sales industry at Link Belt. He continued his career at Industrial Supply and eventually, he successfully started his own business, Westron Supply, which he ran until he was in his late 80’s. He continued to work despite being retired— an ode to his steady, hardworking, and quiet determination.

In his spare time, Wayne could be found on the golf course, taking his family to California and Lava Hot Springs, flying planes for both business and pleasure, and working in the fields.

In order to watch the game he loved, Wayne worked as the timekeeper for the University of Utah basketball program and, subsequently, for the Utah Stars and the Utah Jazz for over 40 years. The “job” he loved is a fond memory for many of his grandchildren, who grew up watching for Grandpa on TV during Jazz games.

He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings, including home teacher to President David O McKay, Bishopric of the Canyon Rim 3rd Ward, and various clerk callings, including the Heber 3rd Ward.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Charlene Hicken; children, Colleen (Merrill) Chappell, Ray (Patricia) Hicken, Barrett (Collette) Hicken, Carrie (Dean) Severson, and Christine (Tuata) Mauga; his grandchildren, Todd (Chelsea) Chappell, Meggan Chappell, James (Heidi) Hicken, Jillian Hicken, Jonny (Annika) Hicken, Ashley (the late Johnny) Clark, Lindsey (Lance) Tolbert, Kami (Danny) Gledhill, Cooper Severson, Tuputala Mauga, Nellie Mauga, Collen Mauga, and Elder Thomas Mauga, currently serving in the Samoa Apia East Mission; and 22 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Carroll Lee Hicken, Alice Hicken, and brother-in-law, Alyric Ray.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Glen I. Hicken, and John Robert Hicken; sister Audrey Probst; and brother-in-law, Wayne W. Probst.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at 12 o’clock noon at the Heber 4th Ward, 240 E. 400 S., Heber City, Utah.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 20, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Probst Family Funerals, 79 East Main Street, Midway, Utah, and Monday, September 21, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Heber 4th Ward prior to the funeral service.

Special thanks to our live-in caregivers, Sofia and Judith, as well as the Cornerstone Caregiving team. We are forever in your debt.