Charles L. Hicks, Sr., 90, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away Saturday, May 5, 2012 at his Punta Gorda residence.

Charles was born July 15, 1921 in Derby, Ohio. He was the son of Eva Lydia Boggs and Sherman Hicks, one of eight children. He moved with his wife Betty to Florida 30 years ago, after having lived in Canton, Ohio for over 30 years. He graduated from Derby High School in Derby, Ohio in 1939 and married Blanche E. Hicks of Circleville, Ohio in 1941. Charles was a decorated veteran of WWII serving in the army in the Philippines and several other islands in the Pacific earning among other awards the BRONZE STAR Medal with Ribbon and Citation.

Charles was also a veteran of the Ohio Highway Patrol and the Nationwide Insurance Company where he spent 33 years as a district and regional claims manager and retired in 1981. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed working on projects around his home, and loved his dog Alfie.

Charles is survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty, his sister Margaret Ann of Derby, Ohio, his three sons Charles of Santa Cruz, California, Mike of Pacifica, California and Gregory of Dublin, Ohio and his grand-children Michael, Anna Marie, Sean and Molly.

No services are scheduled for Charles. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory, Punta Gorda Chapel.