Boyd Thomas Hickinbotham

Former State Representative, Boyd Thomas Hickinbotham, 87, of Salem, Arkansas passed away from this life on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Salem, Arkansas. Boyd was born on July 3, 1936, to Tom Hickinbotham and Alma (Tadlock) Hickinbotham in Alton, Missouri.

Boyd grew up on a farm just outside of Alton, Missouri where he learned to work hard and developed a love of basketball. Upon graduating from Alton High School, he joined the United States Army and was honored to serve as a paratrooper in the elite 82nd Airborne Division. After serving his country, Boyd moved to Salem, Arkansas to manage the Wallace and Owens grocery store where he met the love of his life Barbara (Cooper) Hickinbotham. They married on May 2, 1959, and had three daughters. They were blessed to have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year. Boyd had a deep love for his family as well as his fellow man. He worked hard to provide for his family and to improve the well-being of his community. While he had many jobs, he was most proud of those that allowed him to help others and improve the quality of life in our community. He served on various state and local boards and was elected to serve in several civic positions which included City Council Member, Justice of the Peace, County Treasurer from 1979-1998, and State Representative from 1999-2003. He was a member of the Immanuel Southern Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. When he was not hard at work, he enjoyed his many hobbies, which included piloting his private plane, hunting, extensive traveling, trail riding, was a member of the Gee and Haw Saddle Club, but his absolute favorite past-time was watching his three grandsons play sports.

Boyd is survived by his loving wife, Barbara of the home; three daughters, Debra Hickinbotham of Salem, Arkansas, Trena Hickinbotham of Salem, Arkansas, and Karla Nortier and husband Todd of Jonesboro, Arkansas; three grandsons, Jeremiah Nortier and wife Ali, J.T. Nortier and wife Kalie, and Isaiah Nortier; two great grandchildren, Gia Nortier and J.J. Nortier; brother, Doil Hickinbotham and wife Fern of Thayer, Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Herman Hickinbotham and Glen Hickinbotham), and two sisters (Enid Hickinbotham and Fern (Hickinbotham) Copenhagen).

Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M., Monday, October 30, 2023, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. Alan Winberry, Pastor Jeremiah Nortier, and Bro. Cory Snyder officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. until time of service on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas. The interment will be in the Salem Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas. The pallbearers will be Jeremiah Nortier, J.T. Nortier, Isaiah Nortier, Paul Hickinbotham, Danny Hickinbotham, and Mike Dover. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.