Dr. John Joseph Hicks, 83Muncie - Dr. John Joseph Hicks, 83, of Muncie, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 1, 2017, following a short illness.   John was born on August 25, 1933, in Rome, Indiana to I. Harrison Hicks, and Grace Ann Hicks (Young). John graduated from Cannelton High School in 1952 and served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1952-1956. John married the love of his life, Wanda Lou Dye, August 24, 1958, in Rockville, Indiana. They remained a loving and devoted couple for the next 58 years, raising two sons, and five grandchildren. They spent most of their married life in the Washington, D.C. area.John held degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Evansville (B.S.), Purdue University (M.S.), and the University of Denver (Ph.D.).He had several notable scientific and engineering achievements. While at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Hicks led a research team which was the first to identify Clear Air Turbulence with radar. Air travelers today fly more safely and comfortably because of this work, which was published in the journal Science. While at Atlantic Research Corporation he developed the most widely used wheelchair lift for vans, but his most important scientific work was in national security.Recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency, John supervised the constellation of national security satellites during the early Reagan years. Following that assignment, Dr. Hicks spent two decades developing and refining advanced communications for space travel. Dubbed the "Father of Laser Communications in Space," Dr. Hicks retired from the CIA as a member of the Senior Intelligence Service. He ended his career assigned to the National Reconnaissance Office and received the Distinguished Career intelligence Medal upon his retirement, the highest peacetime award of the CIA. In quasi-retirement, John consulted with NASA for communications related to the manned mission to Mars, working until 80 with Lincoln Labs and MITRE Corporation. He held 12 patents. A witty and gifted storyteller, John took abundant joy in life's daily pleasures. Throughout his life, John enjoyed gardening, home repair and an occasional football game. But his real passion and most happy achievement was his family. His life with Wanda was one of remarkable love and grace, and they enjoyed 58 glorious years of marriage. Together they built a life devoted to public service, marked by a strong circle of family and friends. In retirement, they could be frequently spotted at their grandkids activities. John was a member of High Street United Methodist Church. John leaves behind his beloved wife Wanda and sons Professor Michael J. Hicks (Janet) of Muncie and Maj. Gen. Mark Hicks (Lauren) of Tampa, FL; five grandchildren, Morgan, Nathan, John, Maddie and Connor; and two brothers, Loren Hicks of San Jose, CA and Marvin Hicks of Bloomington, IN.   He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Harrison Hicks.In keeping with his lifetime commitment to public service and education, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF), P.O. Box 89367, Tampa, Florida  33689 www.specialops.org.Memorial Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017, at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel with Reverend Dr. Dale Mendenhall and Reverend Charlotte Overmyer officiating. Private burial will be held.Friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017.Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.