Evelyn May Wicker

Evelyn May Wicker of Burleson, Texas, passed away of natural causes in her home on February 7, 2026, at the age of 79. She was born on August 30, 1946, in Illinois and was raised in Indiana by her loving parents, Rev. Theodore L. & Janet E. Hertenstein. Following her marriage to Brian Wicker on February 8, 1985, she relocated to Texas, which she quickly claimed as her home state and never wanted to leave.

Evelyn dedicated many years to working in the RV industry with Kinro before retiring in her 60’s. She had a special love for Christmas and looked forward each year to decorating her home with her treasured collection of Santa Claus Collectibles.

She genuinely loved people and never considered anyone a stranger. Family and friends meant everything to her, and she found her greatest happiness in spending time with those she loved. She had a particular affection for Sheltie dogs, especially her devoted companion, Precious. A proud supporter of Texas A&M, she enthusiastically cheered on the Aggies and enjoyed sharing that passion with others.

Evelyn found great joy in life’s simple pleasures—watching movies, assembling puzzles, creating crafts, and spending meaningful time with her dear friends, Jan Ball Janusch and Betty Vondrak Monasco. The three of them treasured their time together, often heading out for nail appointments or sharing meals filled with laughter and heartfelt conversation.

In recent years, she was deeply grateful for the steadfast love and support of Jan, with countless phone calls, thoughtful messages, rides to doctor’s appointments, and frequent companionship, Jan’s unwavering presence showed up for her when it mattered most.

Evelyn cherished her neighbors, Ed and Holly Fry, who were such a blessing to her. They looked after her with genuine care and attentiveness, always willing to lend a hand or simply sit and spend time together.

A proud and devoted member of the cancer survivor group “Birds of a Feather,” Evelyn drew strength from them after courageously defeating multiple types of cancer over the years.

Her faith was an important part of her life being a Pastor’s daughter. She found comfort and encouragement in watching online services from The Bridge Fellowship Church in Lebanon, Tennessee, especially sermons by Lead Pastor Phil Wilson and worship led by Executive Pastor Josh Hucks. She also greatly admired her sister Teresa’s continued dedication to serving in ministry roles across multiple churches.

She deeply loved her son, David, and her stepdaughter, April, and frequently shared how proud she was of their career achievements and the wonderful job they were doing raising her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Brian Wicker, who passed away from cancer on February 15, 2020; her parents, Theodore and Janet Hertenstein; and her brother, Ronald Hertenstein.

Evelyn is survived by her son, David S. Dowty, and daughter-in-law, Mary R. Dowty, of Nashville, Tennessee; her stepdaughter, April G. Douglass of College Station, Texas; her stepson, Brian J. Wicker Jr.; her sister, Teresa Cooksey and brother-in-law, Robert E. Cooksey of Deer Creek, Indiana; her beloved grandchildren, Hannah, Hunter, Owen, Trevor, Dillon, Joseph, Matthew, Anabelle and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.