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Robert “Bobby” Lloyd Hicks

Robert “Bobby” Lloyd Hicks, “Pick of the Woody Sticks,” top quality Grammy-winning musician, father, husband, brother and friend, passed away in his home on February 19, 2017, surrounded by family and close friends, while listening to and discussing music.

Bobby Lloyd moved to Springfield, MO from Marshalltown, IA in 1965 to study music at SMS University and began his professional music career. He was a master percussionist, performing onstage and in studio, and was comfortable playing in nearly every genre: classic rock, rockabilly, funk, jazz, blues, classical, country-western, rhythm and blues and pop. He was a founding member of multiple groups, including Granny’s Bathwater and The Skeletons. During his music career, he played on more than 10,000 recorded songs and in more than 75 bands. He performed twice at Madison Square Gardens and in countless countries encircling the globe.

Bobby Lloyd acquired his first drum kit (black pearl Ludwigs — just like Ringo’s) in 1964 after watching The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show, though he banged on household items and performed in the marching and pep bands before that. He was still playing weekly jam sessions at home until a week before passing. He attributed the record player he received at age 2 as beginning his love affair with music.

Touted as one of the best drummers to ever play by local, national and international musicians alike, Bobby Lloyd nevertheless remained humble and approachable. Called such epitaphs as the human metronome, he was known for his rock steady beat, as well as his singing, arranging and chart writing. He could also play nearly any instrument.

He was as well known for his kindness, infectious smile and dry wit, as he was for his musical ability, talent and knowledge. Bobby Lloyd participated in many humanitarian and cultural exchange programs, with the U.S. State Department and the USO. Countless individuals, both in the music community and outside of it, called him “friend.” He maintained correspondence with dozens of individuals across the globe, many whom he had only met once or had never actually met in person.

Lloyd (as he was known to family) was born in Marshalltown, IA on March 12, 1947, to William and Genevieve Hicks (both deceased), younger brother of Herschel and older brother of Elizabeth. He met the love of his life, Patty, while playing through Oklahoma City in 1976. They were married 6 weeks later. Lloyd and Patty have two daughters and a son.

Lloyd is survived by his love and best friend Patty; daughter and son-in-law Lindsey and Bryan Fisher; daughter and son-in-law Bayley and Cory Smith; and son Brian Wilson Hicks (named for Lloyd’s favorite Beach Boy); grandchildren: Anghus and Maeve Fisher and Carter and Finley Smith; brother and sister-in-law Herschel and Renee Hicks; sister and brother-in-law Liz and Theo Fulk; many nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Bobby Lloyd’s standard look was Chuck Taylor shoes, black jeans and either a band tee shirt or an open button up shirt over a tee. He never really looked comfortable in a suit. In the spirit of Bobby Lloyd, the family asks attendees of his funeral to come as you are, be comfortable, wear your “Chucks,” if you got ’em.

Viewing and visitation will be on Monday, February 27, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home – 1947 East Seminole, Springfield, MO 65804. Celebration of Life will be on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. at The Venues – 2616 E. Battlefield Rd., Springfield, MO 65804.

Services are being covered by funds raised via the Bobby Lloyd Hicks Benefit Concert and GoFundMe. The family wishes to extend sincere thanks for the outpouring of support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to paypal.me/bobbylloyd. All additional funds raised will be donated to music education charities in Bobby Lloyd’s name.

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