"Tony" Anthony Brent SICKINGER

Surrounded by family, Tony Sickinger concluded a life well lived on September 5, 2024. He had the all the lives of a cat and cheated death several times over. He had everyone believing that he was invincible and would outlive us all. Although he is no longer suffering, he leaves behind his family and friends who are both relieved and extremely saddened. We all loved him furiously and are heartbroken at the thought that we have to wait to see him again. There will be a celebration of life at a later date, details to follow. Tony was born on Oct 8, 1959, in Centreville, IL to Al and Jo Ann (Coalson) Sickinger. The youngest of two sons, he spent his childhood wreaking havoc across the Jefferson County area with his brother Mike, friends, and partners in crime. He was an avid horse lover and always spoke fondly of his horses. He refused to be contained in any traditional classroom, so he left Northwest HS early and shortly after was recruited by the School of Hard Knocks. It was there he learned the value of resilience, adaptability and empathy. As well as a fair amount of carpentry and mechanical skills. He later became a Jack of All Trades and earned enough to get paid. He could McGeiver his way out of any situation with the random contents of a junk drawer. Tony had no enemies and enjoyed having beers with friends at local watering holes while shooting pool and occasionally winning meat shoot contests. If not for beer and bar food fueling him, it was surely sweet tea and a bucket of KFC. While marriage proved not to be suited for him, Fatherhood was something that came naturally. He was a hair crimping, braid twisting champ. He always gave his best athletic performances in efforts to be supportive of his kids. He’d fix anything that broke and always made his children help him, so they’d know how to when he wasn’t here anymore to do it for them. He was always eager to share his creativity and build whatever wild ideas his kids came up with. He was the creator of fun; he could’ve been the engineer for the Jack Ass props and choreographer of the stunts. He took pleasure in driving his boat into wicked waves and watching us flip and flop off the tube in delight, surprising the kids with night-time sledding adventures and slicking the sleds with cooking oil, he built the biggest and best snowmen, would set up BB gun targets and let you shoot your shot, he always said “yes” to gas station treats, loved to surprise the grandkids and neighborhood friends with popsicles, would tinker with anything with wheels and let his kids and grandkids drive them. All things swimming were made better by Tony; from water slides to slip and slides on the pool cover every year, many diving contests, and ice blocks in the pool on super-hot days. He was a man who wore many hats and answered to many names: Dad, Big Tony, Broken Tony, Papa fall down, GPT (Grandpa Tony), and Ynot to name a few. Tony’s best role was that of proud Papa. He was happiest when with his grandchildren. He’d lovingly refer to them as heathens, followed by a “loved ya”. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, whom he selflessly devoted himself to caring for during their final days. Tony is also sadly preceded in death by his son-in-law Nathan, a kindred spirit, who was undoubtedly waiting for him with Tony’s beloved dog Harley by his side, a Bud Light in hand and mischievous adventure planned. Tony leaves behind his brother Mike; Aunt Lorraine; Aunt Kay; 5 children: Jessica, Emily, Tony, Amber, and Alex; 11 grandkids: Jordan, Devin, Dillon, Danica, Brody, Myla, Chase, Kellen, Auggie, Remi, and Hunter; great granddaughter Karmen; in-laws and out-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other extended family and friends.

"Tony" Anthony Brent SICKINGER

October 8, 1959 - September 5, 2024