Master Clifford J. Wicks

Funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 3, 2009 at Browne's Mortuary, 441 N. Jefferson Ave. Pastor Gil Pritchett will officiate followed by cremation. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 12:00 noon until time of service. Master Sergeant Clifford Justin Wicks, beloved husband, father, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend passed away Thursday, June 25, 2009 in Kleine Brogel, Belgium at the age of 39. The son of Reavie D. Pritchett Wicks and Johnathan T. Wicks, Sr. was born in East Saint Louis, IL on August 6, 1969. Following his graduation from Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in 1987, Clifford enlisted in the United States Air Force. Clifford proudly served his country for 21 years with assignments in Germany, Italy, England, California, Iceland, South Korea and Belgium with tours in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Those lucky enough to serve with Clifford found him to be a tough but fair leader, capable of earning their deep respect. They knew he would stand by them in adversity and always be a trusted friend. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone he met. While stationed in Germany, Clifford met the love of his life, Lisa Berry, and they were married on May 22, 1993 in Selby, Yorkshire, England. Clifford and Lisa have two lovely children, Leah and Andre. Clifford was a devoted husband and father and his family was always his top priority. At the time of his death, Clifford was assigned to the 701 Munitions Support Squadron in Kleine Brogel, Belgium. He was the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Security Forces Squadron. His awards and decorations include: Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Short Tour, Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Long Tour, Air Force Expeditionary Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, United States Air Force Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, and the Army Achievement Medal. Clifford is survived by his "Yorkshire Rose" Lisa; children, Leah and Andre; mother, Reavie (companion, Sherman Richardson) of Saginaw, MI; father, Johnathan T. Wicks, Sr. of Centerville, IL; sister, Ingrid; brother, Johnathan Wicks, Jr.; grandmother, Hattie Wicks; sister-in-law, Pamela Bridges and her children, Lesia and Kye; many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives in the United States and England and his best friend, Master Sgt. Calvin Lockett.

Master Clifford J. Wicks

August 6, 1969 - June 25, 2009