Dennis G. “Denny” Hickman

Dennis G. “Denny” Hickman

Dennis G. “Denny” Hickman, 65, of Emlenton, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior while in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family early Thursday morning, November 27, 2025, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Though his time on earth feels far too short, Denny lived a life overflowing with family, faith, purpose, and adventure—one marked by hard work, deep love, and the joy of God’s creation.

Born on September 14, 1960 in Oil City, Dennis was the son of Larry and Gayle Ritts Hickman.

Denny grew up rooted in the outdoors and in the values that shaped his character for a lifetime. As a young boy, he was an enthusiastic Boy Scout and an avid competitor with a lifelong attitude of, “It’s a lot more fun to win”.  

He graduated from Cranberry High School in 1978, where he wrestled, played baseball, and was part of the National Championship Marine Corps Physical Fitness team. He later attended Penn State Behrend, continuing what would become a lifelong devotion to Penn State athletics.

On October 30, 1982, Denny married the love of his life, Jane Barber, at the Good Hope Lutheran Church in Oil City, and together they built a family that was his greatest earthly blessing. He was the proud father and father-in-law of four children and their spouses, Jake and Kendall Hickman of Emlenton, Jessica and Joshua Fresch of Pittsburgh, Annie and Dustin Swartfager of Knox, and newly married Melissa and Keith Hughes of Pittsburgh. Denny adored his grandchildren—Eli, Henry, and Derek Hickman, Eleanore and Presley Fresch, Bryce, Owen, Tucker, Garrett, and sweet baby Andrew Swartfager, who preceded him into heaven. Time spent with his kids and grandkids—whether hunting, fishing, working on projects, watching ball games, or simply going on rides in the buggy—were among his happiest moments.

Denny is survived by his wife Jane, his mother, Gayle (Ritts) Hickman, his sister Amy Hickman, and brother-in-law Pat Best. He is also survived by his extended Barber family: Bob & Emily Barber of West Palm Beach, FL; Tom and Maryl Barber of St. Petersburg, FL; Sam Barber of Venice, FL; and Mike Barber of Erie, PA, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and his unofficial “5th Child” Zach Muhl.

He was welcomed into eternity by his father, Larry Hickman, and mother-in-law, and father-in-law, John and Marjorie Barber, sister Lauren (Hickman) Best; sisters-in-law, Marie Barber, Lois Barber, and his grandson Andrew Swartfager, his paternal and maternal grandparents, Harry and Eleanore (Vorous) Hickman, and Merl and Elva (Murray) Ritts.

A third-generation steward of the family business, Denny devoted his life to the lumber and hardwood industry. A 1980 graduate of the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) in Memphis, he returned home to Hickman Lumber and helped expand the company through hard work, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. He established the company’s dry kilns and served the industry in leadership roles, being on the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association Board (2006–2012) and the Allegheny Hardwoods Utilization Group Board (2000–present). He was also a long-time member of the National Wood Flooring Association.

In 2000, guided by a vision to honor the beauty of the region’s timber, Denny founded Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring (AMHF). Under his leadership, the company became known nationwide for its craftsmanship and integrity. His expertise brought AMHF into high-profile projects—including Trump Tower, the Obama Presidential Center, the PSU Palmer Museum of Art, and numerous museums and celebrity homes. Denny earned national respect in the industry and was featured on This Old House, HGTV, Restored by the Fords, WQED’s Family Tree, and multiple industry documentaries. His professional legacy is one built on excellence, relationships, and a reputation that will endure.

Outside of work, Denny found joy and peace in the outdoors. He was an accomplished and passionate hunter with walls full of trophies from across North America. A member of The Boone & Crockett Club and the NRA, he hunted everything from local whitetail deer to Alaska’s moose, grizzlies, and Dall’s sheep. For many years he traveled to Montana to hunt Mule deer with friends as well as recently with his son and sons-in-law. He has also hunted elk, mountain lion, rattlesnakes, and wild boar. Turkey hunting kept him humble, and he loved every minute of it. He also cherished fishing trips to Rockland, Chautauqua, and Florida.

Denny had a lifelong love of baseball—one that began in high school and continued through coaching various teams, including all his children. He treasured his years at Pirates Fantasy Camp despite his “love-hate relationship” with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also loved Penn State football and wrestling, and he never missed a chance to tailgate with family and friends. Every winter he hosted an “Annie Oakley” clay pigeon shoot, which was one of his favorite days of the year.

Above all, Denny’s life was defined by faith, family, and the belief that blessings are meant to be shared. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, gratitude, leadership, and love—a legacy that will continue to shape the generations that follow him.

Though his earthly journey has ended, we take comfort knowing he has been welcomed into his eternal home, healed and whole, and that we will be reunited with him again in God’s perfect time.

Friends and family will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and from 5 – 8 p.m. Sunday, November 30, and on Monday, December 1 at the Emlenton United Methodist Church, 1303 Kerr Ave., Emlenton, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  A memorial service will follow from the church at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Gene Lenk, church pastor, officiating.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

In honor of Denny’s deep love for the outdoors, his commitment to responsible resource stewardship, and his generations-long dedication to the family lumber business, memorial contributions may be made to the Denny Hickman - Get Outside and Do Stuff Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund will provide financial assistance to students from Venango and Clarion Counties pursuing post-secondary education in timber harvesting, forestry, and forest management, ensuring his legacy of practical, outdoor professionalism endures. To send a contribution, please visit https://bbcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list or mail to Bridge Builders Community Foundation, Denny Hickman Scholarship Fund, 1322 Elk St., Franklin, PA 16323.  Also, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club Along the Allegheny, PO Box 2, Emlenton, PA 16373, or the Emlenton Fire Department, PO Box 371, Emlenton, PA 16373.