Edward F. Hicks of Wilmington, formerly of Woburn, died peacefully, surrounded by his devoted family on Tuesday, December 20.  He was 81 years of age.
   Born and raised in Woburn, he was the son of the late Walter, and the late Leona (Cyr) Hicks.  Ed was a U.S.Army Veteran of the Korean War. He was a long time member and Deacon at the First Congregational Church of Woburn.  Ed was also an avid fan of Woburn sports.
   He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth Jane (White) Hicks; and the late Eleanor (Spicer) Hicks; and the devoted father of Shawn A. Hicks, Beverly H. Nugent and her husband Robert, Wendy Cunha, Bonnie L. Hicks, Brett E. Hicks, Christopher D. Hicks and his wife Martha, and the late Rodney L. Hicks.  He was also the cherished grandfather of Timothy & Justin Hicks, David, Matthew & Jessica Nugent, Samantha Casey, and Patrick Blades.  He was the brother of George, Arthur, and Claire Hicks, Mildred Rolli, Catherine Mallinson, the late William, the late Joseph, and the late Robert Hicks, and the late Irene Robinson.
   A funeral service will be held at the First Congregational Church, 322 Main St., Woburn on Friday, December 23 at 10:00 am.  Visiting hours will be at the Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Road, Woburn on Thursday evening from 4-8 pm.  Burial will be at the Woodbrook Cemetery in Woburn.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Eddie’s memory may be made to the First Congregational Church of Woburn, 322 Main St., Woburn, MA 01801.