Russell Bryan "Rusty" Hicks

Russell Bryan "Rusty" Hicks, a precious gift from God, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015. He died as a result of a stroke.

He was born on Feb. 8, 1978, in Missoula to Jerry and Betty Jo Hicks and also was greeted by his sister, Julie Rae Hicks.

Russell was a student at Valley Christian School from kindergarten through graduation in 1996. He graduated from the University of Montana in 2000 with a double major in journalism and English. In 2006 he graduated from St. Thomas Law School in Florida.

Russell was the president and general manager of a local business which consisted mainly of commercial real estate development and management.

As a member of Discovery Alliance Church, Russell consistently demonstrated a servant's heart by being engaged as the head deacon and director of the AWANA "Sparks" youth ministry. Russell was active in the Missoula Exchange Club, a community service group which encouraged patriotism and helps support the care and prevention of neglected children. The Exchange Club is also active in honoring local law enforcement officers and our fire fighters. Russ was their treasurer and loved all his good friends at "Exchange."

Russell was a board member and secretary of Missoula Parenting Place. He was passionate about helping children and worked to support their cause of helping to preventing child abuse.

Friends of Valley Christian was another group that he cared deeply about where he served as president. This group raised money to help support parents who needed scholarship aid. His last outgoing email was praising the Lord for the securing of a site for their 2016 Three-on-Three basketball fundraiser. Russell was generous with his time, talents and resources, and his family is so proud of him.

Bible Study Fellowship was how Russell spent his Monday nights. He was thankful for his leaders and his friends who helped each other study the word of God. He loved his Lord and Savior with all his heart and lived his life to honor Him.

Russell is survived by his parents; his sister and his faithful dog, Winston. Also surviving him are beloved aunts, uncles and many cousins, plus so many great friends and mentors. He is preceded by his grandparents, Russell and Jeanette Bryan and Jim and Sadie Hicks.

The family thanks all those at St. Patrick Hospital for their great care of Russell, and for all those who sent cards and gifts. Thank you to those who visited and all who prayed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to any of the above mentioned causes that were dear to Russell's heart.

A celebration service will be held at 2 p.m. at Mac with his Pastor and friend Eric Peterson presiding on Friday, December 4. Messages of condolence may be left for Russell at missoulafuneralhomes.com
Read Russell Hicks's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.