Gwen Hicks Obituary, Cause of Death – Canyon, Texas Educator and Advocate Remembered
Gwen Wilson Hicks of Canyon, Texas, passed away on July 31, 2026, at the age of 66. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Hillside Christian Church – Amarillo West Campus, with Russ Barksdale officiating.
Born on July 31, 1960, in Odessa, Texas, to Bill Arlin and Dorothy Wilson, Gwen grew up in both Denver, Colorado, and Odessa alongside her brother Brian. She graduated from Permian High School in 1978 and pursued her passion for education at West Texas State University. It was there she met Andy Hicks, whom she married in 1980.
Gwen began her teaching career at Sundown Elementary before pausing to raise her children, Erin and Drew. She later returned to teaching at Canyon ISD, where she became a beloved kindergarten and fifth-grade teacher. In 2000, she earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling from West Texas A&M University and served as a counselor at Westover Park Junior High. She later worked at Region 16 Educational Service Center, holding leadership roles until her retirement in 2014.
Her life’s work extended far beyond the classroom. In 2017, Gwen founded Amarillo Angels, a foster care organization that transformed the lives of hundreds of families across the Texas Panhandle. For nine years, she volunteered her time and energy as Chief Dreamer, leaving a legacy of compassion and advocacy for children in need.
Gwen’s devotion to her church and community was unwavering. She served at First Baptist Church in Canyon for over forty years in music ministry, Sunday School, youth programs, and committees. She later joined River Fellowship Church, preparing to launch a women’s mentoring program. Her volunteer work also included the Canyon Lion’s Club and Canyon Main Street.
Her contributions were widely recognized, earning her Canyon’s Citizen of the Year award in 2025, Brickly’s Volunteer of the Year award, and commendations from the Texas DPES for her dedication to children.
She cherished her family deeply, welcoming grandchildren Holland, Marlo, and Cyrus into her life with joy. Gwen’s love for travel, golf, mahjong, and time with friends enriched her days.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Dorothy Wilson, and her aunt Billye Dean. She leaves behind her husband Andy Hicks, brother Brian Wilson, children Erin Moon and Drew Hicks, son-in-law Ben Moon, and her grandchildren.
Gwen Hicks lived a life of service, faith, and love. Her legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched, the families she supported, and the community she uplifted.
