Hoyt Leon Hickman of Los Altos, CA, a retired United Methodist elder, author and recognized authority on worship and liturgical traditions, died peacefully on Sept. 6, 2016 at age 89 following a long illness.
Hoyt was born in Pittsburgh PA to Leon and Mayme Hoyt Hickman and raised in Mt. Lebanon PA. He was a graduate of Haverford College, Yale Divinity School and Union Theological Seminary.
Hoyt was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Martha Whitmore Hickman, and by his daughter Mary. He is survived by his brother Herbert of Livingston NJ; by his sons Stephen and wife Karen Garrison of Redwood City CA, John and wife Lisa Berezin of Arlington MA, and Peter and wife Maria Teresa Tatto of Chandler AZ; and by six grandchildren: Benjamin, William, Sylvia, Madeline, Emma and Lauren.
As a Methodist pastor in the Western PA Conference, Hoyt served churches in Windber, Claysville, Beaver Falls, and Erie. As Director of Worship Resource Development for the General Board of Discipleship in Nashville, TN from 1972-1993, he played a pivotal role in developing hymnals, services, and other resources which continue to be used throughout the world.
Hoyt loved teaching and scholarship as well, and wrote a number of published books. He held a lifelong interest in family history and genealogy, compiling several detailed studies of family ancestry. Hoyt was a man of boundless enthusiasm and intellect, always ready for a stimulating conversation on almost any topic.
A memorial service will be held at the Terraces at Los Altos, 373 Pine Lane, Los Altos CA at 10 AM on Saturday, November 5. Donations in Hoyt's memory may be made to Edgehill United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 128258, Nashville TN 37212 or Jumonville Camp & Retreat Center, 887 Jumonville Road, Hopwood, PA 15445.
Read Hickman Led The Way in United Methodist Worship at umc.org.