Braden Hicks

Braden W. Hicks, 36, of Manson, died Friday, September 6, 2024, doing what he loved - flying.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Laufersweiler Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.

Left to cherish Braden’s memories are his wife Megan, son James, dad Jeff (Yvonne) Hicks of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, grandmother Fran Hicks, in-laws Kevin and Joanne Bean of Lake City, brother-in-law Justin (Alisha) Bean and their kids Clare and Tucker of Carroll.

Braden was preceded/met in death by his grandfather William Hicks and his Aunt Cathy Hicks.

Braden William Hicks was born September 18, 1987, in Cedar Falls. He graduated from Etiwanda High School in California. His first career venture was selling real estate in California which led to flipping houses in Texas. He returned to Iowa to help farm and worked as a truck driver for Birkey Trucking. He started Hicks Trucking that he ran for nine years. Braden married the love of his life Megan in -20 degrees on January 16, 2016. They welcomed James a few years later, and there was nothing more that Braden loved than spending time with James in the shop. Those who knew Braden knew that there was nothing he couldn’t build or fix, and he worked with his father-in-law to build the home that he, Megan, and James shared using only the plans in his head. Braden discovered a passion for flying and became a flight instructor where he taught others to love and respect the craft the way he did. Braden never missed the chance to ‘adventure’ regardless of whether it meant a short trip to Des Moines or the airplane version of a trip around the western United States. Braden enjoyed talking with his friends and was known for sending Snaps of every part of his day. Most of all, Braden will be remembered for how he connected with everyone he met. He truly never knew a stranger. Braden’s legacy lives on through the many stories shared and friends made over the years.

Instead of flowers and plants, Braden’s family asks that you take pictures with your loved ones and celebrate each day. Find something that you love, and do it together. If you feel inclined to leave a memorial it will be left up to the discretion of the family.