Ted Hicks

Ted Hicks, 82, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply and devotedly throughout his life.

Born on February 14, 1944, Ted lived a life defined by strength, resilience, generosity, unwavering faith, and unconditional love for his family. While many knew him as a successful entrepreneur, respected businessman, developer, mentor, proud United States Navy veteran, and even a force to be reckoned with as a boxer in his younger years, those closest to him knew that his greatest accomplishment and proudest title was simply “Poppi.”

He shared an extraordinary love story with his beloved wife, Constance “Connie” Fontenot Hicks. Married on December 27, 1962, they spent more than 63 wonderful years together after falling in love as teenagers when Connie was just 15 years old. Their marriage was built on faith, devotion, resilience, laughter, and unconditional love, and it served as an example to everyone fortunate enough to witness it.

To know Ted was to know how deeply he loved Connie. She was the center of his world and the love of his life in every sense of the word. Rarely were they ever apart, and wherever one of them was, the other was never far behind. Through every triumph, hardship, celebration, and challenge, they stood side by side for more than six decades with a love and devotion that was unmistakable to everyone around them. No matter how successful Ted became or how many accomplishments he achieved, nothing mattered more to him than Connie and the family they built together.

Faith and prayer were cornerstones of Ted’s life. He believed deeply in the power of prayer and often shared that it was Connie’s unwavering faith that helped save him through many of life’s most difficult moments. Through every hardship and triumph, faith remained a guiding force in their marriage, their family, and Ted’s life.

Ted fiercely loved his family and was their protector, provider, encourager, and steady foundation through every season of life. He took care of everyone around him without hesitation and without complaint. His family never had to wonder how deeply they were loved because Ted showed it every day through his actions, loyalty, sacrifice, and constant presence.

Nothing brought Ted more joy than being “Poppi.” He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never hesitated to be completely silly just to make them smile. Whether he was dressing up like a pirate or clown, letting little hands fill his hair with barrettes, dancing around the room, or simply making everyone laugh, Ted embraced every moment with the people he loved most.

In addition to his devotion to family, Ted loved dancing, hunting, fishing, playing golf, and enjoying life to the fullest. Some of his happiest moments were spent dancing with Connie, the love of his life. Whether at a gathering, celebration, or simply together among family and friends, the two could often be found side by side on the dance floor, laughing and enjoying each other’s company just as they had for more than six decades. Ted also loved politics and strongly believed that if you wanted to see positive change in the world, you had to stay involved and engaged in your community. He never forgot where he came from and remained humble despite his success, treating everyone he met with kindness, respect, and dignity. He had a larger-than-life presence, a tremendous sense of humor, and an unmatched toughness that inspired everyone around him.

Ted’s strength throughout his life was nothing short of remarkable. He survived challenges that would have broken most people. Over the years, he survived a broken back, cancer, a heart attack earlier in life, major back surgery, Salmonella, COVID, and countless other obstacles throughout his lifetime. Yet through it all, he never complained, never sought sympathy, and never allowed hardship to define him. Time and time again, he faced adversity head-on and somehow managed to overcome every challenge placed before him with quiet strength, determination, dignity, and grace.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Ted went on to build an incredibly successful career in business and development. A truly self-made man, he earned the respect of countless people through hard work, perseverance, vision, integrity, and humility. Despite all of his accomplishments, Ted never measured success in business or material things. To him, success was his family.

Ted is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Constance “Connie” Fontenot Hicks; his four children, Shelly Moran (David), Stephanie Hicks, Chris Hicks (Casey), and Kyle Hicks (Stacy); and his deeply loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ryan Harrell (Kristen), Devlin Barber, Allison McGuinness, Kailin Page, Teddi Page, Jordan Hicks, Kaden Mayers, Rory Hicks, Halston Hicks, Vivienne Aertker, Emery Harrell, Bridget Moran Sibley, Shaine Powers, Dwayne Moran, David Moran Jr., Katherine Ulmer, Caroline Ulmer; along with many other beloved great-grandchildren and extended family members.

He is also survived by his siblings, Dianne Pommier (Darrell), Adele Jeanes, and Jeffery Francois; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nina Fontenot; grandparents, Myrtle and Alva Brabham; brother, Clyde “Slug” Hicks; sisters, Veronica Hicks and Lavonia Fontenot (Patrick); and mother-in-law, Verdie Fontenot.

Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806, on Monday, May 18, 2026, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM and Mass immediately following at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Harrell, Jordan Hicks, Kaden Mayers, Devlin Barber, Halston Hicks, and Berry Smith, who Ted loved like a son.

Ted’s legacy is not only found in the businesses he built or the obstacles he overcame, but in the family he fiercely loved, protected, and cherished every day of his life. He was deeply loved, and he will be profoundly missed.