Hugh Arnold Vickers

Vickers—Hugh Arnold Vickers, 90, on February 2, 2022, two days before his ninety-first birthday, in Greensboro, N.C. Hugh was born on February 4, 1931, to Vera Gilbert Vickers and Lester Vickers in Muncie, Ind. The family moved to Waukegan, Ill., where Hugh graduated from Waukegan Township High School. During these years Hugh and Joan Thompson, his future wife, became acquainted when Joan’s mother hosted the Vickers family while they were new to the community. Challenges in his home life often led Hugh to be incorporated into the Thompson family circle of friends.

Hugh graduated from Earlham College in Richmond, Ind., in 1953 and earned a master’s degree from Indiana University in 1957. Hugh was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He had a 40-year career teaching high school and middle school health in Marion, Ind. He coached basketball and served as an athletic trainer at Marion High School.

In August 1957, Hugh and Joan married. They had one son, Mark M. Vickers.

Hugh’s mother, who was a music teacher, came from a strong Quaker family background. Hugh always enjoyed singing—in the Methodist church in Waukegan; in various quartets through the years; in the Scottish Rite Choir in Fort Wayne, Ind.; and as a member of the New Garden Meeting choir.

Hugh was a longtime member of First Friends Meeting in Marion, Ind. When Hugh and Joan moved to Greensboro in 2012, they joined New Garden Meeting. During his years at New Garden Meeting, he added an enthusiastic male voice to the choir. Hugh became known for his friendly greetings walking and for his excellent storytelling and sense of humor.

Hugh was an active Mason throughout his adult life. In addition to being very active in the Scottish Rite Choir in the Fort Wayne Valley, Hugh held leadership roles in the Grant County York Rite Bodies. He received his 60-year award in Masonry in 2014 and his 60-year York Rite Certificate in 2019.

Hugh enjoyed the outdoors; fishing and hunting with family and friends; and was a master woodworker.

Hugh was predeceased by his parents, Vera and Lester Vickers.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Thompson Vickers; one child, Mark M. Vickers (Ed); one grandchild; one sister, Patricia Ann Zweifel Delemater (Jim); one sister-in-law, Martha Vickers; and two nieces.